Title: Michael Woods Claims Victory in Dramatic Finish at Tour de France Stage 9
Subtitle: Jonas Vingegaard Retains Overall Lead as Favorites Lag Behind
In a thrilling and emotional conclusion, Michael Woods of Israel – Premier Tech outpaced Matteo Jorgenson of Movistar Team in the final meters to secure a stunning victory in the ninth stage of the Tour de Francia 2023. The experienced Canadian cyclist triumphed after covering a challenging 182.4 kilometers between Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and Puy de Dome. Meanwhile, Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma retained the overall race lead.
The dramatic battle for the stage win saw Michael Woods cross the finish line first, followed by Pierre Latour of TotalEnergies in second place, and Matej Mohorič of Bahrain – Victorious in third place.
In a separate fight amongst the title contenders, Tadel Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates finished 13th, gaining a valuable 8 seconds on race leader Jonas Vingegaard, who finished in 14th place.
Among the Colombian riders, Harold Tejada of Astana Kazakhstan Team was the highest-placed, finishing in 29th position more than 11 minutes behind the winner. Egan Bernal and Daniel Felipe Martinez of Ineos Grenadiers secured 41st and 54th positions respectively, with a significant time difference of 18 minutes and 34 seconds for Bernal and 19 minutes and 56 seconds for Martinez. Esteban Chavez and Rigoberto Urán, both riding for EF Education-EasyPost, finished in 117th and 131st positions, conceding more than 28 minutes.
The decisive moment of the stage belonged to Matteo Jorgenson of Movistar. Launching an attack 47 kilometers from the finish, Jorgenson took control of the final climb and maintained his solo lead until the 500-meter mark. However, it was Michael Woods who ultimately overtook Jorgenson to claim the victory.
The Tour de France 2023 will now observe its first rest day on Monday, July 10. The race will resume on Tuesday with a grueling 167.2-kilometer stage between St. Vulcania and Issoire, featuring five mountain challenges.
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Tour de France 2023 (2.UWT)
Stage 9 Results | Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat – Puy de Dome (182.4 km)
1. Michael Woods (Israel – Premier Tech) – 4:19:41
2. Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) – 0:28
3. Matej Mohorič (Bahrain – Victorious) – 0:35
4. Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar Team) – 0:36
5. Clément Berthet (AG2R Citroën Team) – 0:55
6. Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) – 1:23
7. Alexey Lutsenko (Astana Qazaqstan Team) – 1:39
8. Jonas Gregaard (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team) – 1:58
9. Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) – 2:16
10. David de la Cruz (Astana Qazaqstan Team) – 2:34
29. Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan Team) – 11:24
41. Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) – 18:34
54. Daniel Felipe Martinez (INEOS Grenadiers) – 19:56
117. Esteban Chavez (EF Education-EasyPost) – 28:14
131. Rigoberto Urán (EF Education-EasyPost) – 28:56
Individual General Classification
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) – 38:37:46
2. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) – 0:17
3. Jai Hindley (BORA – hansgrohe) – 2:40
4. Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers) – 4:22
5. Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) – 4:39
6. Simon Yates (Team Jayco AlUla) – 4:44
7. Thomas Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) – 5:26
8. David Gaudu (Groupama – FDJ) – 6:01
9. Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) – 6:45
10. Pello Bilbao (Bahrain – Victorious) – 7:37
26. Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan Team) – 28:00
31. Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) – 34:32
55. Daniel Felipe Martinez (INEOS Grenadiers) – 1:02:27
69. Esteban Chavez (EF Education-EasyPost) – 1:13:33
93. Rigoberto Urán (EF Education-EasyPost) – 1:32:10