Stage 9 of the 2026 Tour de France takes the riders from Malemort to Ussel over 154.6 kilometres. Although relatively short, the stage packs in three classified climbs and relentless rolling terrain, making it one of the more difficult stages of the opening week to control. It looks tailor-made for a successful breakaway.
Stage 8 Review
Tim Merlier once again demonstrated why he started favourite, producing a perfectly timed sprint from well back in the peloton to claim an impressive second stage victory of this year’s Tour.
Earlier in the day, a three-man breakaway established itself before Liam Slock of Intermarché-Wanty attacked his companions with around 40 kilometres remaining. Slock produced a brave solo effort that briefly caused panic in the peloton and was only caught with 1.3 kilometres remaining.
Behind Merlier, Biniam Girmay finished second and Olav Kooij completed the podium in third. Our selection, Jasper Philipsen, was unable to sustain his effort in the final sprint and finished outside the top three.
Classification Update – click here to bet
The bunch finish meant there were no changes to the general classification.
Tadej Pogačar continues to lead by 2 minutes 42 seconds from Jonas Vingegaard, with Isaac del Toro remaining third at 3 minutes 27 seconds and Remco Evenepoel fourth at 3 minutes 30 seconds.
The latest Tour Winner betting is:
- Tadej Pogačar – 1.05
- Jonas Vingegaard – 12.00
- Isaac del Toro – 29.00
- Remco Evenepoel – 81.00
- Paul Seixas – 81.00
- Florian Lipowitz – 81.00
The Green Jersey battle tightened further following Merlier’s victory.
Current standings:
- Mads Pedersen – 228 points
- Tim Merlier – 213 points
- Biniam Girmay – 203 points
- Jasper Philipsen – 175 points
The latest Green Jersey betting is:
- Mads Pedersen – 1.83
- Tim Merlier – 2.75
- Biniam Girmay – 5.00
- Jasper Philipsen – 15.00
The King of the Mountains classification remains unchanged, with the betting now reading:
- Tadej Pogačar – 1.57
- Lenny Martinez – 4.50
- Richard Carapaz – 6.50
- Jonas Vingegaard – 11.00
- Valentin Paret-Peintre – 13.00
The Team Classification also remains unchanged.
Current betting:
- Lidl-Trek – 1.71
- UAE Team Emirates XRG – 2.60
- Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe – 9.00
- Team Visma-Lease a Bike – 11.00
Stage 9 Profile
Stage 9 may only be 154.6 kilometres, but it is packed with climbing from start to finish.
The riders face an uphill start before reaching the intermediate sprint after just 13.9 kilometres, making it another important opportunity for the Green Jersey contenders.
The first classified climb is the Category 3 Côte de Naves, measuring 2.3 kilometres at 7.4%, before the toughest climb of the day, the Category 2 Suc au May, which averages 7.7% over 3.8 kilometres.
There is little opportunity to recover, with the Category 3 Côte de la Croix du Pey (4.8 kilometres at 6.0%) coming shortly afterwards, before the final classified ascent of Mont Bessou, a 900-metre Category 4 climb averaging 7.3%.
Even after the final climb, the terrain continues to roll all the way to the finish in Ussel.
What to Expect?
This looks like an ideal breakaway stage.
Unlike some of the previous rolling stages, I think this one is simply too difficult for the peloton to control.
UAE Team Emirates XRG have no real incentive to chase. With Pogačar holding a comfortable advantage in yellow, they are unlikely to waste valuable energy bringing back a break, even if the Yellow Jersey comes under threat.
The sprint teams are also unlikely to commit fully given the demanding profile, which should encourage a strong group of classics riders and puncheurs to attack from the start.
I expect a fierce battle to make the break, but once the right group goes clear, they could well stay away all the way to Ussel.
Stage 9 Betting
Stage Winner Odds – click here to bet
- Mads Pedersen – 3.50
- Mathieu van der Poel – 9.00
- Mathias Vacek – 15.00
- Quinn Simmons – 15.00
- Maxim Van Gils – 23.00
- Jonas Abrahamsen – 26.00
- Michael Matthews – 29.00
- Tim Wellens – 29.00
- Michael Valgren – 34.00
- 51.00 and bigger the remainder.
Verdict
The bookmakers have installed Mads Pedersen as favourite, and given his form that is understandable.
However, I think there is excellent value elsewhere in the Lidl-Trek team.
Mathias Vacek has impressed throughout the opening week and has shown he possesses both the climbing ability and engine required for a stage like this. If Lidl-Trek are represented in the decisive breakaway, as I am expecting, I think Vacek could easily prove to be their strongest card.
At 15.00, he appeals more than his shorter-priced teammate.
Suggested Bet: Mathias Vacek to win Stage 9 at 15.00.
Tour de France 2026 – Stage Winner Money Back Promotion
Back any rider to win any stage of the 2026 Tour de France, and if your selection finishes 2nd in that stage, World Sports Betting will refund your stake in World Coins, up to R5,000!
Promotion Details
- Promotion period: 4 July – 26 July 2026
- Valid on pre-match single (straight) win bets only
- Bets must be placed before the start of each stage
- Refunds are paid in World Coins
- Maximum refund: R5,000 per account
- Only real money bets qualify (free bets excluded)
- Only one qualifying refund per bet
- Cash-out bets do not qualify
- World Coins are subject to the standard World Sports Betting Free Bet Terms & Conditions
- Accounts must be verified and in good standing
How to Claim
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘TDF Stage’ to claim your refund within 72 hours of the stage finishing.
Disclaimer: Prices were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
