tour the france stage 9

Live coverage

As it happened: michael woods takes tour de france stage 9 as pogačar distances vingegaard.

182km culminating in the savage 13km summit finish of Puy de Dôme will determine the new general classification

Tour de France - Everything you need to know Tour de France route Tour de France favourites Moment of truth – The Puy de Dôme and the Tour de France’s greatest duel

Good morning and welcome to Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 9 of the 2023 Tour de France! 

Today's 182.4km stage from Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to the Puy de Dôme is one of the most anticipated stages in recent memory, with the fabled mountain top finish returning to Tour de France for the first time since 1988. We're set for a huge GC battle between the last two winners of the Tour, Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), who are only separated by 25 seconds at the top of the overall standings. 

The start location for stage 9 in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is highly associated with cycling legend Raymond Poulidor as it was where he resided. Pou Pou was one of the stars of the 60s and 70s that battled with both Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx on many occasion, earning him the nickname of 'The Eternal Second' having never won the Tour, but was a true fan-favourite. Today's full stage design is almost an homage to the great French rider with the Puy de Dôme also playing a part in his history. His legacy in the sport now lives on through his megastar grandson, Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Decuninck), and you may remember his full Alpecin team donning special kits on the opening stage of 2021 Tour de France to honour Poulidor. Here's a look at the special bike Van der Poel will ride today to remember his grandfather. 

#MerciPoupou 💜💛As stage 9 is starting in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, residence of French cycling legend #RaymondPoulidor, we will pay a tribute again to the grandfather of @mathieuvdpoel and #DVDP! 😍 First up: this amazing @canyon_bikes which #MVDP will be riding today! pic.twitter.com/ZUQvf6L1dg July 9, 2023

If you want to read more on the history of Poulidor's association with the Puy de Dôme, check out Barry Ryan's great feature on how he battled Anquetil on the slopes of the volcano in 1964, which led to one of cycling's most famous photographs. Moment of truth – The Puy de Dôme and the Tour de France’s greatest duel

Yesterday's dramatic stage was won by Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) in a hilly run to the line in Limoges, but the headline of the day was undoubtedly the end of Mark Cavendish's (Astana Qazaqstan) 2023 Tour de France due to a crash in which he broke his collarbone. The Brit is now on his way back home to recover. 

We're now under half an hour away from the neutralised start in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat on a day which should see the general classification race blown to pieces on the punishing inclines of the Puy de Dôme.

Aside from Cavendish, we saw another DNF yesterday in Steff Cras (TotalEnergies) who said he was knocked off his bike by a spectator in the approach to Limoges. We've had another DNS this morning, leaving our starting bunch at 169 riders as Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) has been forced to leave the race after suffering from his injuries sustained in a heavy crash on stage 5. 

Unfortunately, we have to report that @QuinnSimmons9 will not start @LeTour today. Since his heavy crash on Stage 5, Quinn’s condition has not improved as we had hoped. He still feels stiffness and fatigue so we have decided to stop him to focus on his recovery. pic.twitter.com/GdvE1hExn5 July 9, 2023

We've seen historic winners atop the Puy de Dôme in the past through legends such as Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, Felice Gimondi, Luis Ocaña, Lucien Van Impe and Joop Zoetemelk. Who will include themselves in this illustrious list of some of cycling's heroes that have won here? 

Van der Poel was understandably full of emotions at the sign on and team presentation, even reduced to tears on stage in a place so important to his late grandfather and family. His team have Mercier coloured stripes on their shorts today as part of one of their homages to Pou Pou. 

#MerciPoupou 💜💛In honor of #RaymondPoulidor, our riders will be wearing a dedicated version of the #AlpecinDeceuninck’s team kit today, with a specific reference to this stage and the iconic Mercier/#MerciPoupou colours! #AlpecinDeceuninck #TDF2023 #MVDP 📷 @facepeeters pic.twitter.com/JHvFa4bFF6 July 9, 2023

Stage 9 of the Tour de France of underway from the neutralised start! We'll have just over 4km of riding in the départ fictif before the flag is waved and racing gets started. 

Here's Van der Poel being presented a bike of his grandfathers on stage during an emotional morning for him in his grandfather's former home town. There's been some lovely nods to the great rider this morning and today will mean a lot for Van der Poel. 

The sun is shining, it's baking hot and we're heading east towards the Massif Central. We've got a big day in store with the GC battle set to explode into life on the Puy de Dôme at the stage's finale. 

182.4KM TO GO

The flag has been waved out of the lead car by Christian Prudhomme and racing is underway on stage 9 of the Tour de France! Today is the almighty conclusion to one of the best first weeks in the history of this great race. Strap yourselves in and get ready for action. 

Straight from the gun we've got attacks flying. Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny) is the first to go, followed by a whole host of other breakaway hopefuls. 

We've got a split of around 10 riders forming with a bit of a blockage forming in the peloton. Is this the break of the day gone already?

Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) has made this move and alongside Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) could be a real threat for the victory if the break are given a big advantage. This leading group have 30 seconds already and seem to be the move of the day with three further stragglers trying to bridge the gap. 

Here's the composition of the group leading for now: - Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) - Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious) - Clément Berthet (AG2R-Citroën) - Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar) - Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) - Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) - Guillame Boivan (Israel-Premier Tech) - David de a Cruz (Astana Qazaqstan) - Alexey Lutsenko (Astana Qazaqstan) - Jonas Abrhamsen (Uno-X) - Jonas Gregaard (Uno-X) - Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) - Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies)

175KM TO GO

The peloton still isn't happy with certain teams missing out. Soudal-Quick Step launched a late move to try and make it, but the break are working well for now. 

The gap is out at 1:00 and it will be very hard for any rider to bridge this gap. Trek and QuickStep are riding on the front behind and must be unhappy that they have missed it. Certainly not a calm start to the stage. Van Aert is interested at the front with Pedersen and Asgreen riding for now. 

Speeds are up at 70km/h in this rapid start to stage 9. Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies) has had a mechanical at the back of the bunch and is riding back into the peloton now. 

Our 14 riders at the head of the race are working nicely together and are trying to build their 53 second advantage. The fight for the break isn't over yet though. 

Dries Devenyns (Soudal-Quick Step) is shredding it on the front for his team and the gap is beginning to come to 45 seconds. Can they close this gap?

Ineos Grenadiers are the next to try and close this gap with Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious) also trying to bridge to the leaders. Van der Poel and Skjelmose are also right up they're in this fight. 

Alaphilippe hits the accelerator and tries his luck to bridge this move. He's got a few companions with him and will want them all to cooperate to try and close this gap. He's got Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) and Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) for help, but no consistent move is sticking. 

We've lost some sprinters out the back over one of the uncategorised climbs that characterise this region of France, Jordi Meeus (Bora-hansgrohe), Pedersen, Stuyven and Sam Welsford (dsm-firmenich). 

The last moves just petered out and the gap is back out to 1:00. We're still not completely settled, however. 

Skjelmose and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) have gone of the front as a duo. This shouldn't work, however, as closing a 1:06 gap on your own is quite the task and Bettiol is not coming through to pull off the Dane's wheel with Powless already in the break for American squad. 

160KM TO GO

Alaphilippe has gone for it once again. Teams are getting desperate as they seem to believe they've missed the big moment. 14 strong riders and a group working well means they could be in with a chance of victory. 

EF are doing a nice job of stifling moves by sitting onto any pursuer that wants to try and bridge the gap to the leading group containing polka-dot jersey wearer, Powless. 

Jorgenson leads the break in what was a very quick formation as our group of 14 got away from the peloton as soon as the flag was dropped. 

They've sat up behind and finally the attacks have stopped. It will be intriguing to see how much of an advantage they are given with both Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates probably assuming their leader could take today's stage and the bonus seconds that would come with it. 

The break are about to mop up all the big points from an insignificant intermediate sprint alongside the Lac de Vassivière. Uno-X have shot off the front to take the points and the cash prize through Abrahamsen with Gregaard in second. 

Lilian Calmejane has just been taken down a fans decorative pole holding jerseys. An incredibly stupid crash being caused by a spectator. After what happened to Cras yesterday, it's not what you want to see. 

Israel-Premier Tech have done a tremendous job to get their top climber, Michael 'Rusty' Woods, in the break alongside Boivin. If you feel like you can remember Woods' Canadian compatriot, but can't place him, he was one of the riders that performed brilliantly in the wet edition of Paris-Roubaix in 2021. A great rider to have alongside Woods to pull him along on the flatter portions before the break reach the Puy de Dôme. 

🏁 150 km to goThe boys knew they needed to be in the break and Boivin and Woods were quick to join the right move.The group with G and Mike already has 4:30 minutes on the peloton. C’mon guys!___🇫🇷 #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/QMo7w1kfC5 July 9, 2023

140KM TO GO

The break has an advantage of 8:33 for now. Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) has had a mechanical issue at the back of the bunch and is getting back in. 

Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) is giving himself a shower at the front of the peloton as he gets into his work. They won't ride too hard for now, but on a sweltering hot day, he'll need a few more of those before we reach the mountain top finish. 

Lidl-Trek will be gutted they've missed this move with either Ciccone or Skjelmose after seeing them be allowed an advantage of 9:18. Here's the moment Bettiol had to apologise to the Dane for not being allowed to offer him up a turn to try and bridge the gap with Powless already in their for EF and the American squad happy with the break's composition. 

TODAY'S TOUR DE FRANCE MENU

Here's what the riders have left to tackle before out explosive final climb: 107.6km to go: Climb - Côte de Felletin (2.1km at 5.2%) 96.7km to go: Climb - Côte de Pontcharraud (1.8km at 4.6%) 56.2km to go: Climb - Côte de Pontaumur (3.3km at 5.3%) Finish: Climb - Puy de Dôme (13.3km at 7.7%)

On such a hot day in the saddle, it will be incredibly important for all the riders to get their nutrition correct. There will be a lot of feeding and re-fueling before the end of the day. The Puy de Dôme will be tackled on a winding road that curls on the side of the volcano and the riders will be exposed to the sun and heat in central France. 

Everyone in the break is continuing to swap turns nicely as their advantage surpasses 10 minutes for the first time. 

We're approaching our first KOM point of the day at the Côte de Felletin (2.1km at 5.2%). There's only one point on offer and Powless will take it without challenge.

Powless now has 37 points in the polka-dot jersey competition and sits nine ahead of Felix Gall (AG2R-Citroën) in second. There are three more points available before the final climb to the Puy de Dôme. If he gets all of them, that would put him on 40 points, 21 ahead of Pogačar and 22 in front of Vingegaard, almost guaranteeing him another more days in the jersey with only 20 available over the top of the final ascent. 

100KM TO GO

Jumbo-Visma have, of course, taken up the mantle of controlling with the yellow jersey in their possession for now. They haven't made any impact on the break's 10:43 advantage yet, however. 

Powless is off again to go and get his second KOM point of the day at the top of the Côte de Pontcharraud (1.8km at 4.6%). 

All the sports directors are hot on their riders to ensure hydration and fuelling is maintained. If anyone gets it wrong and forgets to replenish their stores, they could be massively exposed on the Puy de Dôme. 

Here's Neilson Powless, our current polka-dot jersey wearer, on a day which has been very successful so far. He's increased his lead in the mountains classification, albeit by two points, and is one of the favourites to take victory from the break with a 10-minute advantage over the peloton with 87km left to ride. 

Woods is the big favourite in the GC group, with the most climbing pedigree, especially over the steepest inclines. The Canadian has won Grand Tour stages in his career, but only ever at La Vuelta a España. He'll desperately want to take victory on the Puy de Dôme today. 

Also keep an eye on Berthet in this leading group. He worked tirelessly for Gall on the climbs on stage 5 where the Austrian finished third behind Hindley and Ciccone. He's a very talented rider. 

Mechanical for Gregaard in the break. He's having a wheel change and will be happy the gap is over 10 minutes. They've gone for the slow back wheel switch instead of the spare bike oddly. He should be fine getting back on though, but every bit of energy wasted counts. 

An insect appears to have flown into the gap of Jorgenson's helmet and sunglasses and stung him on the head. He's back at the doctors motorbike and hopefully he'll be okay. 

Jumbo-Visma have been happy to give the break a huge advantage and the probable stage win. They clearly decided there was no chance they would pace for Pogačar to get bonus seconds in a final 'sprint' against Vingegaard and the stage win atop the Puy de Dôme as the Slovenian is the punchier of the two. 

🇫🇷 #TDF2023Our yellow jersey wearer is still getting better day by day.Jonas is looking forward to Puy de Dôme, and so are we. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Q6mLV7KNcI July 9, 2023

All the teams are now taking musettes and bidons on what is an incredibly important day to get your fuelling correct with the heat and the difficulty of the final climb. 

Boivin has shot off the front in the break. Is he giving Woods something to bridge to over the next category 3 climb. 

Here's a look at the profile of our final climb. This shows how the 7.7% average gradient doesn't paint the full picture, as the middle kilometres skew this stat. The final 4.5km average over 11% gradient each and will be tackled on an incredibly narrow road without fans. The images of the riders doing battle should be incredible on the exposed mountainside road. 

Lutsenko is setting a hard tempo in the break to try and reduce its size form 14 to something more manageable. Boivin has been brought back in now. 

Campenaerts and Mohorič have accelerated in the break as they approach the top of the Côte de Pontaumur (3.3km at 5.3%). They will want to build an advantage over the top before the final climb if they can create separation. 

Powless responds and takes the two KOM points to add to his total which is now 40. 

It's important to note as we close in on our finale, that Jorgenson has the current Strava KOM over the Puy de Dôme which he completed in a recon ride from Clermont-Ferrand a few days before the Critérium du Dauphiné.

More attacks are flying out of the lead group as they continue to play games. Jorgenson, Woods, Lutsenko, Burgaudeau and Gregaard have separated away with Berthet chasing them down. 

Jorgensen is now all alone at the head of the race. The 24-year-old American has 12 seconds over the chasers for now as Boivin begins to drop off the back of the peloton. 

We're seeing some images of 400m from the finish line where rubber mats are having to be applied over a portion of road where the riders will have to cross over the rail tracks that lead up to the summit of the Puy de Dôme. Finishing touches are being applied before we see a Tour de France peloton race up the fabled climb for the first time in 35 years. 

It's nearly Puy de Dôme time. We're just under 27km away from the foot of our final climb, a mythical ascent with a long history in the Tour de France. We thought we might never race up here again, but organisers have found a way to return this nostalgic climb to the greatest bike race, albeit 35 years after it was last seen. 

Mohorič is trying to bridge the 30 second gap to Jorgenson at the head to the race. All sorts of games are going on in this leading group. 

Here's a look at our lone leader, Jorgenson. The young American has had his career best season with a win at the Tour of Oman, a great Classics season and an impressive second place at the Tour de Romandie behind Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates). 

Those who are started to run out of energy are beginning to be left behind as the break is becoming more selective by the kilometre. Jorgenson's advantage is being cut down by a quartet including Mohorič, Powless, De la Cruz and Burgaudeau. 

It's reportedly 34 degrees at the bottom of the Puy de Dôme. It's a good thing there's a rest day tomorrow as the riders are going to be exhausted after today's efforts in the sweltering heat. 

Mohorič is clearly having a great day on the bike and is utilising all of his descending skills and aerodynamic positioning to maximise his power. He keeps hitting the other three chasers and is trying to bridge the 15 seconds over to Jorgenson. 

Jorgenson finished in the top 5 of three Tour de France stages in 2022 and came so close to that maiden victory. He'll be desperate to continue on with his solo move out in front and grind away at his competitors on the final climb to stand atop a podium at La Grand Boucle. 

The gap to Jorgenson has gone out to 30 seconds again as the chasing quartet aren't making a concerted effort to chase him, but are instead taking turns to attack. The stop-start nature of their chase is hurting their chances. 

De la Cruz has dropped his chain at the worst moment on the downhill. He's been forced to stop and it will be so difficult to see him make it back into the chasing quartet. 

Jorgensen is using 100% of the road in this small descending portion to try and maximise his speed and use less of the power he will want to save for the final climb. 

We've had an innocuous crash back in the peloton for Lars van den Berg (Groupama-FDJ) at the handover point of a musette. 

Jorgenson is doing a tremendous job of holding off the chasers for now with the gap stabilised at 37 seconds. He's been so good throughout 2023, but if he could pull of the win today that would be on a completely different level of incredible. 

Here we go, 35 years untouched by the Tour de France peloton and the Puy de Dôme is here. 13.3km at 7.7% average gradient. Can Jorgenson hold on? Or will someone from the chasing group come across and past him on the harshest gradient?

CURRENT SITUATION

At the foot of the climb, here's the current positions on the road: Head of the race - Jorgenson Chasing group with Mohorič, Powless and Burgaudeau - 1:01 Second chase group with Woods and Lutsenko etc. - 1:45 Peloton - 16:06

The American out in front is trying to regulate his temperature with constant watering from his bidon. He's got 12km of all out climbing ahead of him and won't want to overheat.

The GC teams are going to have their own race around 10 minutes after the breakaway finishes, and they are beginning to position themselves as they complete the run into the base of the Puy de Dôme. 

There are reports of a motorbike crashing in front of the peloton at such high speeds in the group behind. The drama is non-stop today. 

Powless gets out of the saddle momentarily on some of the final roads that will be lined by fans today. As said already, the road that curls around the final climb is so narrow so fans haven't been allowed onto it. The riders will only have the sound of their own thoughts and that of the few vehicles that ascend with them as they complete this hellish climb. 

The crowds are incredible on the lower slopes of the Puy de Dôme. It's no surprise to see such excitement with this legendary climb returning to its former glory again at the Tour de France. 

Powless is dancing on the pedals, but making no dent into his compatriot's advantage which still sits at 54 seconds. The third group on the road is a further minute behind them. 

Dsm-firmenich are setting it up in the GC group for their leader, Romain Bardet. He's from this area and will want to play a big role on home roads. 

Dylan van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma) has assumed his position back on the front of the peloton as one of the incredibly valuable and versatile riders that make up Jonas Vingegaard's mountain train. 

Jorgenson is closing in on the hardest section, the final 4.5km. Each of those kilometres average over 12% gradient as they snake around the outside of the dormant volcano in the Massif Central. 

Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) is one of the first climbers to drop out of the peloton with the stage win no longer on offer. 

Here's what Jorgenson has left to content with. He's got a 1:12 advantage and is on the verge of joining the likes of Coppi, Bahamontes, Van Impe, Gimondi, Ocaña and Zoetemelk as riders that have won a Tour de France stage atop the Puy de Dôme. 

🤩 Here we are: le Puy de Dôme ladies and gentleman!🤩 Nous y voilà: le Puy de Dôme mesdames et messieurs !#TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/akI09v4S2l July 9, 2023

Jorgensons' got his final greeting from the magnificent crowds we see at the Tour each year as he heads onto the restricted section and begins his fight with the steepest sections to hold off the chasers and take victory. 

Van Aert is now leading the peloton with Kelderman in his wheel and Vingegaard sat further back to avoid eating any of the headwind that pushes into the peloton. Pogačar isn't far behind. 

Kuss is making his way back up the peloton as the hardest section approaches. He'd been out of position previously, but was moving very easily towards the business end of things. 

Jonny Weltz was the last winner up here in 1988 and it's looking like Matteo Jorgenson is going to going him on that illustrious list of winners as his advantage keeps increasing to now 1:23. 

Ben O'Connor (AG2R-Citroën) has been dropped form the peloton. Mohorič has decided to leave his two companions in the chasing group and has set off in pursuit of Jorgenson on his own. Woods can be seen in the background coming across very quickly. 

2.5KM TO GO

Woods has passed Powless and Burgaudeau and he's got 2.6km to get across to Mohorič and then Jorgenson. 

Woods is absolutely flying up the Puy de Dôme for now as Mohorič's deficit to Jorgenson is falling to now 48 seconds. Van Aert's turn on the front is done and UAE Team Emirates have now come to the front of the peloton.

Jumbo-Visma have retaken control with Kelderman and Kuss the only remaining domestiques for Vingegaard. They are driving it on now in a small peloton with only the strongest GC riders left. 

Jorgenson's gap is rapidly falling, It's going to be touch and go on the line if he Woods and Mohorič can continue to eat into his advantage. Can the young American hold on?

Its completely split in the peloton with Kuss hitting the front and pulling away only the strongest climbers in Vingegaard, Pogačar and Simon Yates. 

1.2KM TO GO

Woods has flown by Mohorič and is pushing on out of the saddle. He could break Jorgenson's heart in the final kilometre. 

Jorgenson only has 20 seconds and Woods is closing in. The Canadian is absolutely destroying these steeper slopes and Woods is the strongest. He's got him in his sights. 

Its blown to pieces in the GC group with Bardet and Hindley both dropped. 

Woods is so close to Jorgenson. He's going to get him, but does the American have anything left to give in response. He's going to fly by him surely. 

Woods gets out of the saddle and kicks out of Jorgenson's wheel in the final 400m. Heartbreak for the American with so little left to ride on this legendary climb. Woods is going to write his name eternally into Tour de France history. What a climbing performance. 

STAGE FINISH

Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) wins stage 9 of the 2023 Tour de France. Its the biggest win of the Canadian's career and an incredible moment for Canada at the Tour. What a climb, what a ride. Jorgenson was passed in the final 200m by both Latour and Mohorič in what was a heartbreaking end to the final climb. Chapeau young man. 

We've seen both the beautiful joy and painful brutality this sport so often provides for both Woods and Jorgenson respectively. A great day for North American cycling nonetheless. 

We've got a leading group of five in the GC group with Vingegaard, Pogačar, Yates, Rodríguez and Simon Yates. Yates picks it up on the front for a moment with Hindley dropped. 

Hindley is coming back which is forcing Yates into action especially after he lost time yesterday due to a late crash. Pogačar goes!

Here it is, the battle between our two main favourites and a gap is appearing in-between Vingegaard and Pogačar. Can the Dane hold on? He's looking behind him and beginning to drop. 

Vingegaard is by no means cracking, but he's not onto the wheel yet. It's our two protagonists battling it out on the Puy de Dôme, it's what we wanted, every second is going to count. 

The Slovenian kicks again with 500m to go on the steepest gradients. Vingegaard is measuring his effort well, but is going to lose time on stage 9. Can Vingegaard respond?

Here's a look at our stage winner, Woods on his career best victory. 

Pogačar enters the sunshine in the final few hundred and is sprinting on the final ramp to the line. he's emptying the tank over the line and he crosses the line with a big statement made. Vingegaard recovered well for a loss of around 8 seconds. 

Yates ands Pidcock have left Rodríguez and are the next best out of the GC group. Great performance by the young Brit and his experienced compatriot. 

Gaudu crosses the line with damage done to his time on GC. The rest of the GC group are coming over in dribs and drabs. 

Here's what a despondent Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) had to say after having his heart broken by Michael Woods and finishing fourth on a stage he led for so long: "Yeah, I had to play my hand a little bit early, I knew if I went in that group I wouldn't be able to match Mike Woods and Neilson [Powless] I thought. So I knew that I had to either get in a small group or solo and ended up getting solo. From there I went all in and in the end, you just have to hope that behind they blow up or whatever cos a minute from the bottom of that climb wasn't enough, but I did what I could." "To be honest, the radio didn't work the whole of the climb. As soon as we started around the corner, the cars were at the bottom and I didn't have any radio, so the only time gap I had was the Moto and yeah he was telling me a minute, then 40 seconds, then 35, and 35 was the last one I got with I don't know, 1k to go and I just started to feel empty with 1k to go and then before I knew it Mike was there and passing me and it was a surprise but there was absolutely nothing I could do,"

Here's how Michael Woods reacted to achieving his career win and writing his name into eternal cycling history by winning on the Puy de Dôme: "I'm still having a pinch myself moment. Really proud of myself, really proud of my team yeah, this is special." "It was deafening until I got to about 4k to go, I couldn't hear anything and then all of a sudden silence. My ears were still ringing and I had a lot of time to think, a lot of time to suffer and just looking up the road trying to make as much time up on Jorgenson." "Yeah for sure, I'm 36 years old, turning 37 this year and not getting any younger. I've always talked about winning a stage at the Tour de France and I've finally achieved it. I just feel so fortunate to have so many great people behind me, my family, my team, Sylvain Adams and also my parents, my wife my kids. They've all supported me. I've had some tough times over the last year, but I'm back on top and really proud." "I wish I could say it was all planned. I wanted to be with Jorgenson in front, but it was just the way the cards played. It was really challenging when I knew I was probably the most marked man in that group and I ended up not playing my cards super right, but just had to be patient." "Then when I got to 4k to go I didn't really even think about going for the win, I just thought about doing a time trial to the top and then however hard I went, didn't matter the result, I'd just be proud of myself and my hardest was able to bring back Jorgenson so it was nice."

We had some movements on the GC today with Vingegaard losing 8 seconds to Pogačar. His lead in yellow is now only 17 seconds and is poised for an incredible battle in the second and third weeks of the 2023 Tour de France. Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) also made a significant move from ninth to seventh overall by hanging onto the best climbers and Gaudu and Bardet fell to eighth and tenth overall respectively. 

After a first week like no other I've ever seen, the 110th Tour de France is poised perfectly as we head into the first rest day. The teams and riders will be recovering after a brutal opening nine stages and getting ready for more as we start to head towards the Alps. Clermond-Ferrand will play host to our 169 remaining riders and all the other staff involved tomorrow in central France with 12 stages left to complete. What other stories and drama will the second and third week hold? Make sure to check back to Cyclingnews' website as more content is produced from the team on the ground at the race over the next week and beyond. After the rest day, we'll return to racing on stage 10 with a hilly 167.2km stage from Vulcania to Issoire. 

That wraps things up for Cyclingnews' coverage of stage 9 of the 2023 Tour de France. What a stage it was and what a battle we witnessed on the Puy de Dôme's first return to the Tour since 1988. Michael Woods wrote his name into history and Tadej Pogačar made another small dent into Jonas Vingegaard's lead at the head of the race. Read Peter Stuart's full report below for an excellent summary of the day's action and make sure to check back tomorrow for all the news coming out on the rest day. Tour de France: Michael Woods triumphs with stage 9 victory atop Puy de Dôme

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Tour de France 2023: Pogacar closes on yellow on Puy de Dôme as Woods wins stage nine – as it happened

Michael Woods pipped Matteo Jorgenson at the last to win atop the Puy de Dôme while Tadej Pogacar made ground on the overall leader, Jonas Vingegaard

• 9 Jul 2023 Stage nine report
• 9 Jul 2023 GC standings, top 10
• 9 Jul 2023 Those stage nine results in full
• 9 Jul 2023 Pogacar pips Vingegaard by eight seconds
• 9 Jul 2023 Stage 9 top 5
• 9 Jul 2023 Michael Woods wins stage nine of the Tour de France!
• 9 Jul 2023 Another KOTM point for Powless
• 9 Jul 2023 Powless takes another KOTM point
• 9 Jul 2023 Powless takes KOTM point
• 9 Jul 2023 Preamble

Stage nine report

Right, and on these bombshells, that’s us done on an immense day of racing (and a pretty immense day of sport in general), which had all manner of narratives. The principal ones being Tadej Pogacar laying down the gauntlet to Jonas Vingegaard, who might just be relieved that his rival took only eight seconds off him at the end. And then there was heartache for Matteo Jorgenson who rode so boldly and so well before the superior climbing smarts of Michael Woods landed him a memorable stage win.

Jeremy Whittle’s stage report will be up very shortly. Thanks for your company and comments. Bye.

GC standings, top 10

1. Jonas Vingegaard 2. Tadej Pogacar +17 3. Jai Hindley +2:40 4. Carlos Rodriguez +4:22 5. Adam Yates +4:39 6. Simon Yates +4:44 7. Thomas Pidcock +5:26 8. David Gaudu +6:01 9. Sepp Kuss +6:45 10. Pello Bilbao +7:37

Michael Woods speaks: “I’m still having to pinch myself moment,” says the stage winner. “I can’t believe I did it – I’m proud of myself and my team. [The crowd] was deafening until I got to 4km to go and my ears were still ringing and I had a lot of time to think and suffer.

I’m not getting any younger and I’ve finally achieved it [a Tour de France stage win] and I feel so fortunate to have so many great people behind me – my family, my team, my wife, my kids.

I wish I could tell you it was all planned – I wanted to be with Jorgenson out front but I didn’t play my cards super-right but I had to be patient but with 40 to go I didn’t think of going for the win, but just set a time trial for myself. It’s super special to win at the Puy de Dome and I hope we get to come here in years to come.” It certainly was quite the setting for a stage finish.

Those stage nine results in full

1. Michael Woods 2. Pierre Latour +28 3. Matej Mohoric +35 4. Mateo Jorgenson +35 5. Clement Berthet +55 6. Nielson Powless +1:23 7. Alexey Lutsenko +1:39 8. Jonas Gregaard +1:58 9. Mathieu Burgaudeau +2:16 10. David de la Cruz +2:34

Jorgenson speaks and reveals he had no radio assistance at the denouement. “I had to play my hand a bit early. I knew I wouldn’t be able to match Woods and Neilsen [Powless] in the climb and I had to get away in a small group or go solo> In the end I had to hope others blew up because it wasn’t quite enough. Radio didn’t work on the climb so the only time gap I had was the motor and I was being told [my lead was] a minute, then 35 seconds and 35 was the last I iheard and before I knew it Mike was there and passing me and there was absolutely nothing I could do.”

Pogacar pips Vingegaard by eight seconds

Vingegaard responds as they turn through the 14 degree gradient to the summit but Pogacar stays in front, and crosses just over eight seconds ahead of his rival. He’s made some ground but not as much as seemed likely a minute or so earlier. What an epic afternoon’s racing.

Vingegaard retains the yellow jersey.

Pogacar is powering ahead of his great rival now, around 11 seconds as they approach the summit …

I say that but now Pogacar kicks clear with Vingegaard on his wheel but Pogacar gets some distance on him. The defending champion stays within reach though

Now back in the peloton , we’ve got Tom Pidcock is well placed but Jai Hindley beginning to assert himself. Nothing decisive from or around Pogacar or Vingegaard.

Stage 9 top 5

1 Michael Woods 2. Pierre Latour 3. Matej Mohoric 4. Matteo Jorgenson 5. Clément Berthet

Pierre La Tour overhauls Jorgenson too at the last, so does Mohoric. Ah poor Matteo.

Michael Woods wins stage nine of the Tour de France!

A perfectly executed climb from the Canadian. He’s the king of the Puy de Dome.

Woods is looking so menacing and fluent and he hits the front . Jorgenson can’t respond!

1km to go: Woods gets clear of Mohoric – this is a dramatic late rally – and he’s targeting a toiling Jorgenson. It’s only 23 seconds!

1.5km to go: The gap’s dropping dramatically from Jorgenson to Mohoric as the lead group power upwards by the railway line. UAE Team Emirates step it up in the peloton but Kelderman, I think, is fronting the pack there. Vingegaard gets into position behind him

Jorgenson leads by less than 40 seconds. Is he fading? Is Woods the man to watch?

2.5km to go: Mohoric decides to go for it, as Powless starts to struggle in the initial pursuers’ group. Jorgenson lead him by 57 seconds. Michael Woods, meanwhile, has broken clear of the main pursuit group and overhauled Powless. He was favourite to win the stage – what can he pull off here? It’s getting tense.

4km to go: Suddenly, we have no crowds to yell Jorgenson home as he nudges his lead up to 1:19. It’s a behind-closed-doors race, if you will. Further back Dylan van Baarle, Wout van Aert and Wilco Kelderman are all on the front of the peloton. Vingegaard still in the pack. But UAE Team Emirates are beginning to stir, though Pogacar looks pretty knackered.

Elsewhere …

🥵As @MatteoJorg holds on, the peloton loses some riders. Both @skjelmose_ and @giuliocicco1 have lost contact. 🥵Alors que @MatteoJorg s'accroche, le peloton perd des coureurs. @skjelmose_ et @giuliocicco1 ont tous deux perdu le contact. #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/E3veNB3SRo — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 9, 2023

5km to go: Jorgenson is getting stronger – who says he didn’t fancy his climbing abilities? – and is beginning to look, whisper it, unassailable. He’s 1:14 ahead, the three pursuers in their turn are another minute in front of the main pursuers. The peloton is 14 minutes back.

6.5km to go: Romain Bardet’s DSM-Firmenich team, UAE Emirates and Jumbo-Visma are beginning to properly duke it out in the peloton and the GC battle, though Vingegaard is sitting back behind his Jumbo-Visma teammates. This is only going to get spicier as the climb steepens and the roads narrow with clamouring crowds.

Jorgenson powers on alone at the front, 1minute 10 seconds ahead.

9km to go: There are of course no crowds permitted at the summit, from 4km out to be precise, but there’s plenty just before then, and it’s getting properly raucous as the frontrunners climb. Powless is seeking to escape the principal pursuers. They’re still on his wheel though. Jorgenson leads by around a minute. What an achievement this will be by the 24-year-old American if he can hang on for the stage win here.

Jumbo-Visma still front a crowded peloton, 15 minutes back.

11km to go: Jorgenson manages to extend his lead in the foothills of the climb, nudging it over a minute for a good while before it dips back below it. The three principal chasers are working well together, and they include the runaway KOTM leader Powless. The peloton, precariously bunched up, is 16 minutes back, and we’ll have their climactic fun and games to enjoy soon too – which could have huge significance for the GC. And in front of them, a motorcyclist crashes to add to the challenge. Hope all are OK there.

Watching the frontrunners ascend is making my legs ache, let alone theirs. And it’ll only get tougher.

13km to go: Jorgenson is cruising currently, taking the bends with aplomb. Letsenko has rejoined the poursuivants but out front Jorgenson has set an exacting task for the experienced climbers behind him. The gap is 57 seconds as I type this between the American and the chasing group of Powless, Burgaudeau and Mohoric. We’re beginning to climb, and with a headwind

18km to go: Some back wheel chain bother pegs De La Cruz back, and he has to pull aside and replace his bike, costing him serious time at a crucial stage. He might struggle to rejoin them now. Jorgenson powers ahead by more than 35 seconds.

Back in the peloton, Lars Van dern Berg crashes – the speed is taking its toll – but he’s the only rider down. It could have been more.

28km to go: It’s fascinating watching the four main pursuers, with Powless – what a Tour he’s having – on the attack, Mahoric pushing strongly, and 19 seconds up the road Jorgenson continues to look composed. There’s about 17km of these undulating roads to come before climbing in earnest starts. The main pursuers are more than a minute back now.

33km to go: Weariness and mistakes creeping in as we near the climax, and a pursuing group of four – Burgaudeau, Mohoric, De La Cruz and Powless – develops behind Jorgenson, who’s 18 seconds or so in front. Woods is suddenly isolated and in a tough spot, with the original chasing group now with it all to do. The peloton is 14 minutes back now with the race segmented into four groups.

37km to go : Jorgenson rips further ahead to stretch his lead to 36 seconds as he seeks to get some distance established before the gruelling climactic climb starts. He has his teammate Izagirre back in the pursuing group who may be of assistance further up the road. Mahoric, Campenaerts and Woods also looking lively among the pursuers, from whom Boivin has been dropped.

43km to go: Boivin, who started all these fun and games a while back, is now toiling and separated from the front group. At the front of that break group though, Jorgenson sprints out alone. He has a gap of around 20 seconds on his pursuers. No one joins him though, which might not be his ideal scenario, others sparing themselves for the climb.

The peloton is now more than 13 minutes back. Two races beckon, at least.

48km to go: Jorgenson, Woods, Lutsenko, Gregaard and Burgaudeau (two of whom have suffered mishaps earlier in the form of a puncture and a wasp sting) lead a break from the front. They don’t have much on their pursuers though and they regroup. But they’re restless, and Mohoric looks keen to go again. So when will this fragmentation come? Campenaerts is currently at the front.

In other news – it’s on!

Another KOTM point for Powless

54km to go: Campenaertsand Mohoric launch what seems to be a coordinated attack, before Powless is ushered through for another two polka dot points. Campenaerts takes the other one. But a bit of cat and mouse emerging now among the lead group.

57km to go: Boivin is reeled in as a climb gets steeper. This could string out the break group, and maybe dump a few. But climbers of the calibre of De La Cruz are towards the back of the group so don’t count on it. One result of all that is the peloton is more than 12 minutes behind now. Cats are at least being put among pigeons. Powless currently leads the break group, anticipating adding to his points tally shortly.

59km to go: Israel-Premier Tech’s Guillaume Boivin launches an attack from the front group, opening up a 15-second gap as we prepare for the next, category three, climn, the Cote de Pontaumur. Quite an early move, given what lies ahead. Too early? We shall see.

65km to go: It’s just been pointed out on TV comms that Jorgenson holds the climber record on the Puy de Dome. He may have come off second best against that wasp but he’s in the break group and knows the terrain. Today’s winner?

The peloton’s now as far back as it’s been today, at more than 11 and a half minutes.

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Tour de France Stage 9 Preview: Back to the Climbs

After a stage we won't soon forget, the peloton heads back to the mountains in Stage 9.

Stage 9 - Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dôme (182.4km) - Sunday, July 9

After 35 years, one of the most famous climbs in Tour de France history makes its return at the end of Stage 9: the Puy de Dôme. An extinct volcano that rises above the Massif Central, the climb was last visited by the Tour in 1988, when Denmark’s Johnny Weltz was first to the summit.

The 182.4km stage begins in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat and heads due east toward Clermont Ferrand–and the peloton’s long-awaited date with the Hors Categorie (“Beyond Category”) Puy de Dôme, which rises above the city. The intermediate sprint comes early–in Lac de Vassivière–and from there the stage’s jagged profile really begins to bite, with three categorized climbs setting the stage for the finale.

A breakaway will escape early (or at the latest after the intermediate sprint). They’ll more than likely be caught before the final ascent, but this stage is so important that for at least some of the French teams will send a rider or two off the front in search of some valuable Sunday afternoon TV-time.

And the break will get caught: the Tour’s top-2 riders, Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), are too tenacious to let such a historic stage go to someone else, so they’ll likely have their teams sit on the front, keeping any escapees close enough so as to get caught in the run-in to Clermont Ferrand, out of which the Puy de Dôme starts just a few kilometers later.

The 13.3km-climb begins rather steadily, with an average gradient hovering around 7% for the first 9km. But the pitch steepens significantly once the riders hit a parking lot that’s the last stop for tourists wishing to take the railway to the summit. At this point the pitches go above 11%, as the riders head onto an access road that’s been closed to them since the railway was constructed. These final 4km average close to 12% and the road narrows considerably as the riders wind their way around and up the treeless summit.

Tour legends like Italy’s Fausto Coppi, Spain’s Federico Bahamontes and Luis Ocaña, and the Netherlands’ Joop Zoetemelk have all won here. Frenchman Raymond Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil waged an epic side-by-side battle to win the Tour here in 1964. And sadly, Belgium’s Eddy Merckx was punched in the stomach here in 1975, injuring his kidney and likely ending his career. And after 35 years of waiting, we can’t wait to see the next rider to add his name to the Puy de Dôme’s record book.

Riders to watch

Given the battle they’ve been waging against one another since Stage 1, it’s hard to see anyone other than Vingegaard or Pogačar winning this stage. The profile isn’t hard enough to allow a breakaway to get much of a gap, and these two champions are too tenacious to let anyone else take the stage for themselves. So while it’s not inconceivable, based on how they’ve raced so far, we can’t see anyone else winning this stage, with the victor gaining an important mental edge heading into the Tour’s second week.

When to Watch

There will be some interesting tactical moments early in the stage as Jumbo-Visma and UAE Emirates attempt to set-up their leaders for the final climb, possibly by sending a teammate or two into the day’s main breakaway. But the action will go down on the Puy de Dôme, which the riders should start climbing at around 11:45 a.m. EDT with the stage expected to finish around 40 minutes later.

Since getting hooked on pro cycling while watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship in Philadelphia, longtime Bicycling contributor Whit Yost has raced on Belgian cobbles, helped build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux as an assistant director sportif. These days, he lives with his wife and son in Pennsylvania, spending his days serving as an assistant middle school principal and his nights playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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Tour de France

Tour de france stage 9: a long awaited return to a place of tour legend, race goes back to where anquetil and poulidor went head to head..

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Stage 9 — Sunday, July 9 Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dôme Distance: 182.4km (113 miles) Profile: Mountaintop finish

Stage 9: One of the Tour’s most iconic summit finishes reappears

The Puy de Dôme, an iconic volcanic peak that’s seen a dozen stage victories since the first by Fausto Coppi in 1952, is returning to the Tour after an absence of 35 years.

It’s most famed for the 1964 duel between Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor, so it’s appropriate that the Puy’s comeback stage is starting at the late Poulidor’s adopted hometown of St. Léonard-de-Noblat.

The stage will head east on the rolling roads of Limousin and Auvergne before dropping to Clermont-Ferrand to make the 5-kilometer, 7.5-percent main road climb up to a plateau before turning right toward the Puy de Dôme itself. Cycling up the road that wraps around the mountain was stopped after a cog railway was installed (similar to the one up Pike’s Peak in Colorado) to take tourists to the top.

“The climb of the Puy de Dôme is a childhood dream for me,” confided local rider Rémi Cavagna, the 2021 French road champion. “I used to walk up the mule track, because bikes have always been banned from the climb. Although I’ve flouted the ban once or twice.”

Stage favorites: The yellow jersey is up for grabs

The last 4.5km rise at a steady 12 percent on a road that narrows to only 3 meters (10 feet) wide. As a result, no spectators will be allowed on the mountain and no race vehicles will be allowed between the lead group and the chasers. As for the media, they (including the TV commentators) will work from the foot of the mountain at the Charade motor-racing circuit.

So, instead of the 100,000 fans that lined the mountain road to watch Poulidor and Anquetil half a century ago, only a handful of people will witness in person the prestigious 2023 winner, whether it’s Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) or another top climber.

Extinct volcano produces cycling fireworks

The start town of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is a Unesco World Heritage Site as part of the Compostela routes in France. It is also important to cycling’s heritage, having become the adopted town of Poulidor. He lived in the town for many years until his passing in 2019 at 83 years of age. A street is named after him there, a tribute to one of France’s most popular-ever sportsmen.

The Puy de Dôme is an extinct volcano, a tree-covered mountain with a very distinctive appearance and featuring a narrow road winding around the dome. This year sees it become a stage finish for the 14th time, with past winners there including Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, Julio Jimenez and Luis Ocaña, who was successful in 1971 and en route to Tour victory in 1973. Joop Zoetemelk won in 1976 and 1978, with Johnny Weltz first to the top when the mountain was last featured in the Tour in 1988.

However the mountain is most famous for the historic duel between Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil in 1964. The two went shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow in a ferocious battle, with Poulidor finally breaking his rival close to the summit. He narrowed the gap in the general classification to just 14 seconds, but ultimately finished 55 seconds back in Paris.

Culture and food

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Puy de Dôme was the site of the Temple of Mercury. Constructed around 140 AD, this was the largest mountain temple in Roman Gaul and was dedicated to the protector of travelers and merchants. It is regarded as among the most important pilgrimage sanctuaries of the Western Roman Empire. The remains of the temple were discovered during the 19th century and nowadays an interactive tour including films, models and games is available to visitors to the Temple Observatory.

In terms of food, start town Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is known for marzipan, candied prunes and other sweets. Truffade is a typical dish from the Puy de Dôme, eaten many years ago by the shepherds who would spent long months in the mountains. It consists of well roasted potatoes in a pan, fresh tomme cheese plus salt and pepper for seasoning. It is served with Auvergne cured ham and green salad.

Start time (13.30 CET, 7.30 a.m. EST, 4.30 a.m. WST), estimated finishing time (18.18 CET, 12.18 a.m. EST, 9.18 a.m. WST)

Tour de France 2023 Route stage 9: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat - Puy de Dôme

The list of Tour de France stage winners at the Puy de Dôme is impressive. Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, Julio Jimenez, Felice Gimondi, Luis Ocana, Joop Zoetemelk. They all won on the flanks of the volcano with the magical aura. Zoetemelk even won twice.

The name of the last stage winner Johnny Weltz might not ring a bell. The Dane participated four times on the Tour de France and reached the summit of a col on one occassion. Which was enough to be added to above list.

The Puy de Dôme was not included in the Tour since 1988. The 13.3 kilometres climb averages 7.7%. The first 5 kilometres go up at around 7% and after an easygoing section the last 4.3 kilometres are the exact opposite. The gradient never falls below 11% in this part of the climb.

So, most climbing is packed together in the finale, but the route to the foot of the finish climb is far from flat either. The first 25 kilometres are slightly undulating before the Côte du Lac de Vassivière offers a gentle way to stretch the legs – 4.4 kilometres at 4%, not enough for a KOM classification, but a perfect launch pad for breakaway riders. The gradients kick up a notch on the subsequent cimbs – Côte de Felletin (2.1 kilometres at 5.2%), Côte de Pontcharraud (1.8 kilometres at 4.6%), Côte de Pontaumur (3.3 kilometres at 5.3%) – before another non-classified uphill begins 42 kilometres before the finish. The Col de la Nugère is actually a prolonged false flat – 9.2 kilometres at 2.8% – and subsequently the riders plunge down a 15 kilometres descent to the base of the Puy de Dôme.

The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 9 2023 Tour de France.

Another interesting read: results 9th stage 2023 Tour de France.

Tour de France 2023 stage 9: routes, profiles, more

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Chris Froome: Another Tour de France stage win would be an 'amazing' way to end glittering career

Published 10/04/2024 at 10:20 GMT

Chris Froome was once the dominant force at the Tour de France, but after suffering serious injuries in a crash at the Criterium du Dauphine in 2019, his objectives have changed. Now 38, Froome has spoken about wanting to ride until he is 40 and also his hope to win another stage at the Tour de France. He has also given his thoughts on the "very impressive" Tadej Pogacar.

'An absolute machine!' - O'Sullivan responds to Froome question in 'Voice Notes'

Pogacar ‘could pay the price’ for his early season feats ahead of Giro-Tour double - Indurain

29/03/2024 at 18:27

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25/03/2024 at 14:53

Thursday, April 11, 2024 12:53 am (Paris)

Vingegaard breaks his collarbone in bad crash in Tour of the Basque Country race

Two-time defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard was rushed off to hospital in an ambulance after a 12-cyclist mass crash. He was fitted with an oxygen mask and a neck brace.

Le Monde with AFP

Time to 2 min.

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Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard broke his collarbone and several ribs after a horror mass crash during stage four of the Tour of the Basque Country on Thursday, April 4.

"It was a terrible fall but thankfully he is in a stable condition and conscious," his team Visma-Lease a Bike reported on X. "Tests in hospital have revealed that he has suffered a broken collarbone and several ribs. He remains under supervision at the hospital," the team added on the social media platform.

Belgian ace Remco Evenepoel was another to emerge battered and bruised from the horror accident. "Remco will return to Belgium tomorrow to be operated on a broken collarbone and pass further tests at the hospital at Herentals," his Soudal-Quick Step team announced. His injuries have ruled him out of upcoming one-day classics in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Other big names involved in the crash who were taken to hospital were Jay Vine and Steff Cras, while Primoz Roglic was also involved and did not finish the stage. "Over the radio we heard that Jonas was involved in a big crash," said Visma sports director Addy Engels. "We immediately saw that it didn't look good when we arrived to him."

Despite the gravity of Vingegaard's injuries, they came as almost a sense of relief that they were not more serious.

Several of the 12 riders involved in the crash fell into a concrete ditch after sliding off on a corner with around 35 kilometers to go in the run from Etxarri Aranatz to Legutio, in northern Spain. The 2022 and 2023 Tour de France winner Vingegaard was taken to an ambulance on a stretcher, while Belgian Evenepoel was walking but his team Soudal Quick Step confirmed he was also going to hospital.

"Jonas is conscious and will be examined in the hospital now," Visma said on X. "Thank you for your messages. More updates later," they added of their 27-year-old star who won the Basque Tour last year. Roglic offered a thumbs-up to television cameras while sitting in the Bora-Hansgrohe team car, to show he was not significantly injured. UAE Team Emirates said their Australian rider Vine was also taken to hospital but was conscious and talking, along with Team TotalEnergies rider Cras.

The crash happened on the descent from the Alto de Olaeta after a rider in the front of the peloton slid off the road on a right-hand bend. "Horrified by the crash we witnessed today. Our team was spared, but we feel for those who got caught," said team Decathlon-AG2R on X. "We can only wish that all riders involved are not injured too seriously."

'Stage times not counted'

A six-man breakaway was allowed to continue to try and race for the stage win in the final 18km, with Louis Meintjes crossing the line first. "The race is neutralized until the finish line, the six leading riders will compete in the stage but the stage times will not be counted for the general classification," race organizers said. "The bunch will go in neutral until the finish line."

Meintjes finished ahead of second place Reuben Thompson and Vacek Karel in third. "It's not the way you want to win... if there was a challenge for the break I would have been ready to fight for the stage," South African Intermarche-Wanty rider Meintjes told Eurosport. "(What happened) is unfortunate, takes the pleasure out of it, it's maybe a victory but it doesn't feel like it. I don't know what the situation behind was, it must have been pretty bad, I hope everyone has a speedy recovery."

Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost), Alexander Cepeda and Natnael Tesfatsion (Lidl-Trek) were also involved in the crash. Earlier Thursday Roglic's team-mate Lennard Kamna was in a "stable condition" in intensive care after a collision with a car during a training ride in Tenerife.

Roglic, who also fell on Wednesday in stage three but quickly recovered, was leading the overall standings from Evenepoel by seven seconds at the start of racing on Thursday. Friday's fifth and penultimate stage is a 175.9km ride north from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Amorebieta-Etxano.

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