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Tour de France Stage 9 to Uran on dramatic day as Thomas and Porte crash out

Chris Froome retains overall lead, Fabio Aru moves up to second

Rigoberto Uran of Cannondale has won a hugely dramatic Stage 9 of the Tour de France in Chambery on a day when second-placed Geraint Thomas of Team Sky and one of the big favourites for the overall win, BMC Racing’s Richie Porte, both crashed out.

The Colombian was awarded the win over Team Sunweb’s Warren Barguil after the race jury examined the photo finish following a sprint in which Uran had the handicap of being stuck in his biggest gear due to a mechanical issue in the final kilometres of the 181.5-kilometre stage from Nantua.

As a result, he had done well to contest the finish let alone contest it with a group that also included race leader and defending champion Chris Froome of Team Sky, the Astana pair of Fabio Aru and Jakob Fuglsang, plus Romain Bardet of AG2R-La Mondiale.

Long identified as one of the key days of this year’s race, the stage through the Jura mountains, which had there Hors-Categorie climbs, was marred by a number of crashes, with Thomas and Porte the two highest profile victims. Other riders out include LottoNL-Jumbo’s Robert Gesink.

Thomas’s race came to an end when he crashed on a corner while descending the Col de la Biche, with several riders in the break crashing at the same point shortly beforehand.

The Welsh rider, who took the overall lead after last week's opening time trial in Dusseldorf, had been second overall at the start of the stage, 12 seconds behind team leader Chris Froome.

It’s the second time Thomas has been forced to abandon a Grand Tour this year after his early exit from the Giro d'Italia in May.

Porte crashed on the descent from the Mont du Chat, the last of the day’s big climbs, as he slid off the inside of corner and was violently flung across the road, with Quick Step Floors rider Dan Martin unable to avoid him.

Martin remounted but was involved in another crash shortly afterwards, while Porte, widely regarded as the biggest threat to Froome’s title defence, received treatment for almost half an hour at the roadside before being taken away in an ambulance.

Martin lost more than a minute, as did Movistar’s Nairo Quintana, three times a runner-up in the race, while former winner Alberto Contador of Trek Segafredo seems to be out of contention after losing over four minutes.

Astana’s Fabio Aru moves to second overall and was involved in one of the day’s main talking points when he attacked Froome on the ascent of the Mont du Chat just as the race leader raised his arm to signal a mechanical problem.

Whether the timing was purely coincidental or whether Aru launched his attack in response to Froome being in trouble is unclear, but while other riders followed the Italian’s move, the refused to help him, effectively neutralising the race until the yellow jersey rejoined them.

Subsequently, TV cameras caught an exchange between Froome and Aru as they rounded a hairpin bend in which the Team Sky rider appeared to nudge his rival towards the roadside - although he insisted later that the contact had not been deliberate.

Bardet, riding on familiar roads – his AG2R-La Mondiale team is based here – attacked on the final descent and got clear.

But he was reeled in during the flatter final 10 kilometres and caught with 2 kilometres remaining.

Barguil, with Fuglsang the last survivor of the day’s break, initially appeared to have been awarded the win until the photo finish made clear that Uran had just pipped him to the line.

Reaction

Overall leader Chris Froome

I wasn't aware that Fabio Aru attacked. I got to know it once the journalists told me at the finish. At the time, I was too busy looking for my team car for a bike change.

From what I understand, it looks like Richie told my rivals ‘it's not the moment to attack'. I thank Richie for having said that and the whole group to not have taken advantage of this.

When I touched Aru's arm later on, it wasn't retaliation. It wasn't on purpose.

I said yesterday the GC would be blown away today and it did. There are no longer ten guys in one minute on GC. It's been brutal.

For us, losing Geraint Thomas is a massive disappointment. Losing Richie Porte is a big blow to the race. No one wants to see a protagonist quitting like this. His crash was terrifying.

Stage winner, Rigoberto Uran

I wasn't sure if I had won or not. When I've been told I did, I've felt a lot of happiness.

It was a big occasion for me after so many things happened today like the crash of Richie Porte. Then my derailleur was out of order. I managed to save myself and contest the stage victory. It's a surprise.

I'm very happy to have won this complicated stage. It's also positive for the general classification. It's a great day for my team.

Dr Max Testa, chief medical officer at BMC Racing, on Richie Porte's injuries

Richie Porte was transferred to the Centre Hopitalier Metropole Savoie in Chambery where he was evaluated by Dr. Zerr. He underwent X-rays to determine the extent of his injuries. His condition was stable from the beginning, he was responsive and he remembered everything that happened before and after the crash," Dr. Testa explained.

X-rays confirmed a non-displaced right clavicle fracture and a non-displaced right acetabulum fracture. Richie also suffered extensive superficial abrasions involving the right side of his body. At this stage, the injuries will not require surgery. The plan is to re-evaluate Richie tomorrow morning and confirm that he is stable enough to be transferred home.

Normally, a fractured clavicle and pelvis would require four to six weeks' recovery, providing there are no complications. If everything goes to plan, Richie could be back on the bike at the beginning of August and slowly build his fitness up from there.

Based on Richie's recovery, we will re-evaluate his program for the rest of the season in consultation with BMC Racing Team management.

Team Sky's Geraint Thomas

Everyone was nervous, everyone wanted to be at the front and a few people were battling to get between myself, Froomey and the rest of the boys. I let Majka in and then he came down right in front of me on a straight bit of road. I had nowhere to go, went over the top of him, and landed on my collarbone.

Team doctor [Juan Mercadel] said he thought it was broken but I got back on the bike and carried on down the descent, but when I got on the flat I knew something was wrong. Then the race doctor said exactly the same so I ended up stopping then, went for a scan, and it’s broken.

I’m just thinking of the devastation of leaving the Tour and another Grand Tour. I crashed at the Giro on stage nine, and it’s stage nine again here. I was lying second overall on both days as well. It’s just so disappointing.

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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26 comments

Avatar
drosco | 6 years ago
0 likes

Yeah, but what difference did it make to the result? Precisely none, so not sure what the fuss is about?

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ktache | 6 years ago
1 like

Sorry to be purile, but the corner where the froome "barge" occurred featured a large painted cock and balls, and was shown heavily in the coverage of that corner.

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Rapha Nadal replied to ktache | 6 years ago
2 likes

ktache wrote:

Sorry to be purile, but the corner where the froome "barge" occurred featured a large painted cock and balls, and was shown heavily in the coverage of that corner.

Yes, the UCI is going to fine the tarmac 350CHF for bringing the reputation of cycling into disrepute.

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Jimmy Ray Will | 6 years ago
0 likes

I think Geraint has a problem. He falls off far too much. And generally always when the heat is on. 

I don't know if its a Geraint problem, or a Team Sky problem, but either way, if I was Team Sky management, this is something I'd be looking at with a degree of urgency. 

Apart from his big wins, pretty much everytime Geraint has been in a prominent or leaders position, he has lost the opportunity through crash. 

That is either karma being the biggest bitch alive, or something more tangible. 

 

As for the tour from here... I think it'll be interesting. Froome is in total control, but... 

Dan Martin won't give a fcuk, Bardet is here to win... these two will be going up the road. 

Quintana... he lost a minute. Thats hardly a collapse. He's knackered... knackered from the Giro, from lastyears vuelta and tour. 4th GT on the trot. Only loses a minute. What I think we may see is a guy that gets better and better as the other riders come down to his level.

Bertie... he is out of it... but he won't go down without making a mark. I suspect some big moves from this one.

In essence, there are less major competitors, but whilst this may limit the challenge to Froome at one level (no one is going to drop Froome), Froome is going to have a harder job controlling the field as I believe they will be attacking him and he can't cover it all!

And finally, the Sky team. Geraint has gone. Thats a massive blow to the squad. Landa will be leaving at the end of the year... I am not sure you can rely on him... Froome could be exposed from an aggressive race. 

 

 

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Another David | 6 years ago
0 likes

His middle name is Damwain, poor old Geraint.

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RobD | 6 years ago
2 likes

it took a little while for my wife to work out why I was cheering for Uran in the run in to the finish, supreme effort by him, the effort he must have put in grinding that gear up those smaller rises at the end was pretty immense.

A real shame about all the crashing, but as Chris Boardman said, the riders choose how fast they go down the descents, it's just a shame when riders get taken out when somebody else crashes as seems to be the case with both Thomas and Martin.

Uness Aru has some incredible form that he's going to be able to hold for another two weeks (unlikely) it seems like Bardet is the only real challenger left this year. It's certainly all changed since Friday.

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Kapelmuur | 6 years ago
3 likes

Will Thomas recover in time to crash out of the Vuelta?

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Yorkshire wallet replied to Kapelmuur | 6 years ago
1 like

Kapelmuur wrote:

Will Thomas recover in time to crash out of the Vuelta?

You have won the internet for the day!

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Posh74 | 6 years ago
2 likes

Both stages over the weekend were absolutely fantastic to watch, think I need a rest day to recover too!! Gutted for Porte and G, wish they didn't keep showing the crash on repeat!! Amazing tactics by AG2R as well that lit up the race, hopefully they can repeat in the Pyrenees, no one else seems brave or strong enough to attack Team Sky

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Must be Mad | 6 years ago
0 likes

It may be a side note today - but I see half the FDJ team missed the time cut

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Grahamd replied to Must be Mad | 6 years ago
0 likes

Must be Mad wrote:

It may be a side note today - but I see half the FDJ team missed the time cut

I hadn't spotted that, am sure the UCI will be as firm with the rules on this as they were with Sagan...

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Jackson replied to Grahamd | 6 years ago
12 likes

Grahamd wrote:

Must be Mad wrote:

It may be a side note today - but I see half the FDJ team missed the time cut

I hadn't spotted that, am sure the UCI will be as firm with the rules on this as they were with Sagan...

1. It's nothing to do with the UCI and 2. The race organiser sent 4 of FDJ home including France's best hope for green since Jalabert so you can take your tinfoil casquette off

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NorthEastJimmy | 6 years ago
0 likes

I'm all for paying respect to the yellow jersey when some idiot throws tacks into the road and causes punctures, but in my opinion a mechanical problem shouldn't be the time to go easy on the leader! 

Everyone I actually like is out of the tour now, everyone else has lost their balls to attack Froome.

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Boss Hogg | 6 years ago
5 likes

Rigo winning on a fixie, no small feat!

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drosco | 6 years ago
0 likes

Amazing day. Just about everything that could happen. Thank heavens it seems Ritchie Porte got away with a couple of fractures.

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jumbo469 | 6 years ago
0 likes

Very sad about G and Richie, not surprised that Aru and Quintana tried to attack Froomey when he had a mechanical. Team Sky were immense today and yesterday.  One of the best stages I've ever seen. Those climbs made me feel tired just watching them on telly. Grand Colombier 22%!!!!

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Leviathan | 6 years ago
2 likes

Astonishing stage. Porte was actually very lucky, his body carried straight on and landed on the road before hitting the other side and Dan Martin; but his bike went down the ravine! A nice prize for some lucky fan, if it is in one piece.

Well done Uran Uran, proof we do need an 11T.

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Grahamd | 6 years ago
1 like

The Di2 don't appear as reliable as one would expect.

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kil0ran replied to Grahamd | 6 years ago
0 likes

Grahamd wrote:

The Di2 don't appear as reliable as one would expect.

Guessing it went into crash mode - I've had the same thing happen. You can still shift the  front mech but it dumps you into the smallest cog at the back. There's a reset button to get out of it but not easily accessible when bumbling along at 70kp/h

 

Avatar
JimD666 replied to kil0ran | 6 years ago
2 likes
kil0ran wrote:

Grahamd wrote:

The Di2 don't appear as reliable as one would expect.

Guessing it went into crash mode - I've had the same thing happen. You can still shift the  front mech but it dumps you into the smallest cog at the back. There's a reset button to get out of it but not easily accessible when bumbling along at 70kp/h

 

It had a helping hand from Mavic according to twitter

". @UranRigoberto had a bent hanger + couldn't shift accurately. He asked our mechanic to put it in the 11t and we obliged. Congrats Rigo!"

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Butty replied to Grahamd | 6 years ago
1 like

Grahamd wrote:

The Di2 don't appear as reliable as one would expect.

It was belted by Dan Martin's flying leg in the Porte crash.

Who's to say a cable rear mech would have come out any better?

 

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700c replied to Butty | 6 years ago
1 like
Butty wrote:

Grahamd wrote:

The Di2 don't appear as reliable as one would expect.

It was belted by Dan Martin's flying leg in the Porte crash.

Who's to say a cable rear mech would have come out any better?

 

Dunno but it would be a lot cheaper to repair!

Anyway guess it doesn't matter if you're Uran and only need the 11T!

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Grahamd | 6 years ago
1 like

Great days racing, with the exception of the crashes. Looks as though the challenge to Froome will no longer be from Quintana.

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Kadinkski replied to Grahamd | 6 years ago
0 likes

Grahamd wrote:

Great days racing, with the exception of the crashes. Looks as though the challenge to Froome will no longer be from Quintana.

It won't be from anyone. Bertie & Quintana are way off the pace, Porte is out, and Aru never lasts. It's all over already.

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Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
4 likes

Most interesting day of the tour so far!  I didn't think we needed to keep going back the shot of Porte getting medical help in the road though. Seemed a bit ghoulish after a while. 

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dottigirl replied to Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
1 like

Yorkshire wallet wrote:

Most interesting day of the tour so far!  I didn't think we needed to keep going back the shot of Porte getting medical help in the road though. Seemed a bit ghoulish after a while. 

The repeats of Mori's situation were even worse. Especially hearing it. I was in the middle of writing something and the bleating/screaming sound he made as he gasped for breath made me look up. And wished I hadn't. Even the commentators didn't want to focus on it.

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