John Degenkolb has just won stage nine after an intense three-rider sprint concluding the crash-filled stage with a well-deserved victory while one of the main favourites of this year’s Tour de France, Richie Porte, was forced to abandon the race after a horrifying crash which left with a broken collarbone.
Current yellow jersey holder, Greg Van Avermaet, was able to cross the finish line in second place, increasing his chances to win the Tour with an additional of 43 seconds, right ahead of Geraint Thomas. Third place went to Yves Lampaert of Quick-Step with the same time as second place.
On the other hand, four-time Tour de France champion and current title holder, Chris Froome was able to cross the main group only 27 seconds behind after struggling to get on the road when he got involved in a crash 28 miles to go. He is now eighth overall right behind Van Avermaet.
Taking flight ? Bring on the rest day #TDF2018
? @benoit_tessier pic.twitter.com/JWU3d7SsGF— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 15, 2018
Tour de France 2018: Stage nine results
John Degenkolb (GER) Trek – Segafredo – 3:24:26
Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing Team same
Yves Lampaert (BEL) Quick-Step Floors same
Philippe Gilbert (BEL) Quick-Step Floors +19″
Peter Sagan (SVK) BORA – hansgrohe same
Jasper Stuyven (BEL) Trek – Segafredo same
Bob Jungels (LUX) Quick-Step Floors same
Andre Greipel (GER) Lotto – Soudal +27″
Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) Team Dimension Data same
Timothy Dupont (BEL) Wanty – Groupe Gobert same
Overall leaders:
Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing Team – 36:07:17
Geraint Thomas (GBR) Team Sky +43″
Philippe Gilbert (BEL) Quick-Step Floors +44″
Bob Jungels (LUX) Quick-Step Floors +50″
Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Movistar Team +1:31″
Rafal Majka (POL) BORA – hansgrohe +1:32″
Jakob Fuglsang (DEN) Astana Pro Team +1:33″
Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky +1:42″
Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton – Scott same
Mikel Landa (ESP) Movistar Team same