Tour de France: Ireland’s Ben Healy goes close to winning stage nine

Ireland’s Ben Healy went close to landing a win in his first Tour de France, being one of the strongest riders on the ninth stage of the race on Sunday.

The EF Education-EasyPost rider has shown strong form and aggression on several stages and did so again in the race to Troyes. He was part of the day’s key breakaway group which stayed clear to the finish, doing much of the work to fend off those chasing behind.

Healy tried repeatedly to get clear on a course which featured 14 sectors of tricky gravel roads, but these flatted out considerably towards the end of the 199-kilometre stage, making it increasingly difficult for him to snap the elastic and go clear.

He put in several digs, after which Jasper Stuyven (Lidl Trek) attacked and stayed out front for several kilometres. Healy then attacked in pursuit of the Belgian with two kilometres to go with the Canadian Derek Gee and while they were reeled in, went again inside the final kilometre after Stuyven was caught.

However, this attempt was also hauled back, with Frenchman Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) winning the sprint and Healy taking fifth.

“There was nowhere really to make a really big difference for me in the final,” he said, speaking of the flatter terrain towards the end of the stage which limited his chances.

“I think it was always going to be tough. But we gave it a good go. I am just happy to represent in the finish. You never know, we just have to keep playing our cards and eventually it will go our way.”

Healy was ninth in the time trial on Friday and, if things go his way, has the ability to take a stage win in the coming two weeks.

Race leader Tadej Pogačar launched several strong attacks from the group of race favourites, at one point distancing closest rivals Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) and defending champion Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).

He too was disadvantaged by the flatter gravel sectors in the second half of the race plus unfavourable wind, and was unable to stay clear.

“It was pretty fun racing,” the Slovenian said. “There was lots of sand and dust all over the place, so it was impossible to get a clear picture of the race and you just had to ride on instinct and power.

“I had great legs, which is great news as this was one of the hardest stages of this Tour de France.”

He expressed frustration with the other race favourites, referring specifically to one point where he, Evenepoel and Vingegaard had dropped the rest but the latter refused to work.

“I think it was a great opportunity for us to put some time on the rest of the GC [general classification] favourites and secure the podium, but Jonas refused to co-operate,” he said. “I think Visma is just focusing on me and underestimating the other GC contenders.”

The riders have a rest day Monday. Pogačar said he was looking forward to the mountain stages, where he hopes to expand his advantage over Evenepoel, Vingegaard and the rest.

Meanwhile, Megan Armitage was forced to miss out on the Giro d’Italia Women, which began on Sunday.

“Megan Armitage will not race the Giro d’Italia due to illness,” her EF-Oatley-Cannondale team said. “We are not bringing in a reserve rider to replace her. Please join us in sending Megan our best wishes.”