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Tour de France

Sprint Finish: Ireland's Dan Martin takes superb stage win

The Irish Garmin-Sharp rider rode out with Jakob Fuglsang and narrowly won the duel.

Result: IRELAND’S DAN MARTIN took stage nine of the tour, winning a thrilling duel against Jakob Fuglsang to win the sprint in the final kilometre and become the first Irishman since 1992 to win a stage in Le tour..

How it happened: Yellow jersey holder Chris Froome looked content to bind his time for much of the ride and after the fourth climb Martin left the Peloton with Fuglsang in tow.

The Irish Representative for Garmin Sharp kept up a solid pace time-trialing at the front and so the chasing pack did not regain sight of the leading pair until just over four kilometers to go. By that stage Fuglsang was looking strong and took over the lead entering the final two kilometres, but the slight respite paid dividends for Martin and as they rounded the bend for the final kilometre Martin found the power to time his run perfectly.

The big winner: It’s impossible to ignore Martin whose incredible form in the past year has made him a really valuable commodity for Garmin-Sharp in the Grand Tours.

The big loser: Richie Porte was touted as today’s stage winner, but an early mishap meant he would eventaully be dropped by his Sky team-mates and came in in 60th position, 18 minutes off Martin.

Who is wearing what jersey?

  • Yellow (Overall): Chris Froome.
  • Green (Points): Peter Sagan.
  • Polka dot (Mountains): Pierre Rolland.
  • White (Young rider) Nairo Quintana.

What about Nicolas Roche?

While Stephen Roche’s nephew took the stage, his son finished all the way back in 156th place  this stage and so he drops to 44th overall. Martin’s win means he rises up to eighth on the GC standings.

What happens tomorrow then?

Monday marks the first day off of the 100th Tour, but come Tuesday the Peloton better be rested up as they’ll face the 197km spin from Saint-Gildas des Bois to Saint Malo. It’s not the most grueling stage with just one small climb so watch out for the sprinters.

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