Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France opened with a dramatic surge that took everyone by surprise, especially the seasoned commentators. As the event commenced, the Alpecin-Deceuninck duo, comprising the extremely talented Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert, unleashed an astonishing early attack that left fans and pundits alike in a state of disbelief. Cycling veteran Sean Kelly, known for his insightful and often critical analysis, even quipped that the situation seemed more like a “joke” than a strategic move. This unexpected start kicked off the race with electrifying intensity.
In a flash, just moments after race director Christian Prudhomme waved the starting flag, Van der Poel and Rickaert surged ahead of the peloton, swiftly creating a substantial gap. Almost instantly, they advanced minutes ahead of the pack, causing commentators, including Rob Hatch from TNT Sports, to ponder the implications of this bold maneuver: “Keep your eye on this; how will it go?” Hatch exclaimed, as the main group of riders rolled under the iconic yellow 0km banner amidst the Alpecin assault.
As the pair sped off into the distance, Van der Poel was not merely racing; he was focused on securing points for the prestigious green jersey. However, no team members seemed eager to follow his lead. Sean Kelly interjected with a tone of incredulity, questioning the rationale behind the Alpecin team’s tactic: “What’s happening here? This is an interesting one, this has to be a joke between the riders or the team.” He continued to suggest that a two-rider breakaway over the entire 174km distance seemed implausible, further heightening the drama of the unfolding scenario.
With a lead exceeding four minutes, the situation became even more curious when Larry Warbasse from Tudor Pro Cycling joined the commentary team. He expressed his astonishment, noting, “I don’t think anyone expected that; I think we were all a bit in shock.” He also suggested that the strategy might seem reckless, given the energy expenditure required. Yet, Warbasse acknowledged Van der Poel’s instinctive talent, commenting on how racing often necessitates a deviation from conventional strategies. “If you don’t dare, you can’t win,” he concluded—essentially summarizing the spirit of cycling.
Seeking insight into this unconventional strategy, Jens Voigt, reporting from a motorbike, attempted to discern the underlying plan by conversing with Alpecin’s sporting director, Gianni Meersman. When questioned about whether Van der Poel’s attack was a pre-planned strategy, Meersman clarified their initial expectations of a controlled race, specifically targeting the first intermediate sprint. He explained that the intention was to encourage a more aggressive approach from several riders in order to elevate the race dynamics compared to previous stages. However, the present reality of a two-man break dictated new considerations.
As the race unfolded, Van der Poel and Rickaert displayed impressive tenacity despite their grim odds. With the finish line in sight, Van der Poel made the daunting choice to forge ahead alone in the final kilometers. For a time, it appeared as though he could achieve a monumental victory until an approaching peloton closed in on him with a mere 700 meters remaining. Ultimately, the dream of an all-time great win slipped away at the last moment, swept away by the ruthless rhythm of the race.
Following the conclusion of the stage, Van der Poel smiled through his disappointment, highlighting how it had long been Rickaert’s ambition to step onto the podium. After earning the day’s coveted combativity award, the Belgian rider finally achieved that dream. The stage served not only as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cycling but also showcased the brave spirit of its riders, jockeying for position in one of the most grueling and prestigious events in the sport. Fans could witness further progression of the Tour de France live on TNT Sports and discovery+, ensuring that the excitement continues to unfold.
