The possibly last chance for the sprinters in the Tour de France went to Jonathan Milan. In a soaking wet Valence, the Italian sprinter from Lidl-Trek was just ahead of Belgian Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Dane Tobias Lund Andresen (Picnic PostNL). Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) finished fourth.
This stage was supposed to provide a final opportunity for the pure sprinters, but even before the start there were various breakaway riders speaking up, seeing their own chance with two tough Alpine stages looming.
However, the fight for a spot in the break quickly proved less intense than many expected. Who else but natural attacker Jonas Abrahamsen launched immediately once the starting flag dropped. The Norwegian stage winner for Uno-X Mobility rode away with Italian Vincenzo Albanese (EF Education-EasyPost) and the Frenchmen Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) and Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies).
For a moment, a group of about twenty riders threatened to chase down those four, with INEOS Grenadiers, in particular, aiming to make something of the day. They sent Axel Laurance to the front briefly, but his effort amounted to nothing more than a 'chasse patate' (a futile solo chase).
Behind, Soudal Quick-Step, Tim Merlier’s team, gave the four leaders nearly a three-minute advantage. Lidl-Trek also took turns controlling the pace, protecting their green jersey contender Jonathan Milan. This stage was very important for him in the points classification battle, which is why he also took 11 crucial points at the intermediate sprint.
The four leaders of the day – photo: Cor Vos
Still, the first key moment came only at the Col du Pertuis, offering about 3.8 kilometers at 6.6%. Despite all the early attacks, INEOS Grenadiers had not given up hope. With former Tour winner Geraint Thomas himself on the front, the pace suddenly surged. Movistar followed suit through Spanish champion Ivan Romeo. Top sprinters Tim Merlier and Jonathan Milan were caught off guard and dropped.
Their deficit on the short climb soon reached a minute behind the peloton, but they quickly had their teammates from Soudal Quick-Step and Lidl-Trek waiting for them. Within the peloton, Alpecin-Deceuninck had smelled blood regarding Kaden Groves. The front never really settled, but Merlier’s and Milan’s teams managed to level the playing field again within fifteen minutes.
The unrest in the peloton was bad news for the leaders, whose advantage shrank to barely half a minute. Later, they gained back a minute as calm returned to the peloton. Only a crash involving Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) and Carlos Rodriguez (INEOS Grenadiers) in the heart of the peloton briefly startled the large group.
So, was it time for war again on the Col de Tartaiguille (3.6 kilometers at 3.5%)? On the day’s second and final climb, it took a while before an attack attempt appeared, but eventually Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike) himself kicked off the fight. Many had expected Van Aert to wait for the sprint finish, but the all-rounder tried his luck with an attack. However, he got no followers. He briefly opened a 30-second gap but never caught the leaders and had to surrender with 40 kilometers to go. Van Aert’s effort also ended as a 'chasse patate'.
Although the leaders’ margin was reduced to just under a minute, the peloton faced an additional challenge in the finale. Suddenly heavy rain poured down, making the sprinters' and GC teams increasingly nervous. Extra caution was required in the corners while those up front kept pushing full gas.
Van Aert on the attack – photo: Cor Vos
Still, the fight up front began to fade. Abrahamsen wanted to keep the pace high, but his breakaway companions were nearing their limit. With ten kilometers remaining, the Norwegian attacker went solo, dropping his companions off the front. This solo gambit, however, wouldn’t get far due to the high pace in the peloton.
At 4.2 kilometers from the finish, Abrahamsen was reeled in as the last of the four breakaway riders. The tricky finale featured numerous roundabouts on wet asphalt, creating dangerous conditions. Just before the final kilometer, the peloton fell apart entirely. A rider from Cofidis and one from Picnic PostNL collided and crashed, triggering a chain reaction that stopped half the peloton. Among those caught behind was European champion Tim Merlier, who couldn’t contest his sprint.
Up front, barely fifteen riders remained. Brent Van Moer kept the pace high for his leader Arnaud De Lie (Lotto), who launched his sprint from behind the big favorite Jonathan Milan. The Italian timed his sprint perfectly, and just as De Lie tried to accelerate, he nearly lost his balance. Milan was still closely pursued by Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), but half a wheel’s advantage was enough.
Behind, many riders were left nursing injuries. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) crossed the line visibly shaken and appeared to be the biggest victim of the massive crash.
Tour de France| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 03:25:30 | |
| 2 | " | |
| 3 | " | |
| 4 | " | |
| 5 | " | |
| 6 | " | |
| 7 | " | |
| 8 | " | |
| 9 | " | |
| 10 | " |
