Belgium's Tim Merlier secured his second stage win of the 2025 Tour de France with a powerful sprint finish in Stage 9, frustrating Mathieu van der Poel’s valiant solo breakaway that ended just 700 meters from the line.

The dramatic finish thrilled fans as the peloton reeled in the long-range attack, reinforcing Merlier’s reputation as one of the race’s top sprinters heading into the mountainous stages.