Tim Merlier powered past Jonathan Milan to win stage nine of the Tour de France on Sunday, denying the green jersey holder back-to-back wins after Mathieu van der Poel's audacious solo attack ended in heartbreak just 700 metres from the finish.

Tim Merlier outsprinted Jonathan Milan to victory on stage nine of the Tour de France after Mathieu van der Poel almost pulled off an audacious win in Chateauroux.

Tim Merlier triumphed in stage nine of the Tour de France, outpacing Jonathan Milan, after Mathieu van der Poel’s bold move faltered shortly before the finish. This marks Merlier's second victory in the 2023 edition,