After three years of close calls, Bob Jungels has claimed his first Tour de France stage win, staying away from the pack in a 60-km long solo breakaway after he escaped from a group formed at the initiative of Thibaut Pinot. Pinot fought hard behind the Jungels, but didn’t manage to bridge the gap before the top of Pas de Morgins.
Jungels is the first Luxembourger to win a Tour de France stage since Andy Schleck atop the Galibier in 2011.
Tadej Pogacar finished fifth to retain the yellow jersey.
“It’s incredible! I do not know what to say. Winning a stage on the Tour de France was a dream after these last years of difficulty,” said Jungels at the line. “I am very happy for myself, but also for the team. I know this means a lot to them. The last kilometers were very long but I knew that victory was close and that we had to stay focused. I have won after a solo effort; that’s how I like to do it.”
“Today I took all the risks and it paid off. I am very grateful to the AG2R CITROËN TEAM and all those who have believed in me over the past few months. I have found my best feelings and it does a lot of good.”
Vincent Lavenu: “Immense happiness”
“It is an immense happiness after this very difficult start to the Tour de France with the misfortunes of Ben O’Connor and Geoffrey Bouchard,” added Ag2R Citroen Director Vincent Lavenu. “Bob is a great champion and he raced like he knows how to race. In recent months, he has regained his true level. We needed this to give a boost to the whole team and to validate the work of all our staff and our partners.
“This is the twenty-first victory for the AG2R CITROËN TEAM in the Tour de France. These are always exceptional moments to live and they come with a lot of emotion. You have to appreciate them and enjoy them. This victory, after a solo raid of more than 60 kilometers, will remain in the history of the team.”
Bruno Angles, CEO of AG2R LA MONDIALE:
“On behalf of the directors and employees of AG2R LA MONDIALE, I extend my congratulations to Bob Jungels and our entire team for this magnificent performance and for the intense emotions that we have experienced throughout this fantastic stage! We are extremely proud that our riders carry our values of solidarity and performance so high. We are all following each step with great fervor and we hope that this victory will lead to others. We never give up!”
Vincent Cobée, CEO of CITROËN:
“Bob Jungels produced an exceptional performance, taking a victory with panache and courage after a solo breakaway of more than 60 km. His return to the highest level after a difficult 2021 season illustrates his qualities of resilience, worthy of a great champion. This victory is a source of immense pride for all of us and I warmly congratulate Bob Jungels and Vincent Lavenu on behalf of the men and women of CITROËN. This great victory shows how much the fighting spirit and the desire to win remain strong within the team. We are at their side to encourage them to continue to shine on the roads of the Tour.”
Stage 9 Brief Results:
- Bob Jungels (Ag2R Citroen Team) @ 4h 46′ 39″ – B: 10″
- Juan Castroviejo (INEOS Grenadiers) @ 22″ – B: 6″
- Carlos Verona (Movistar) @ 26″ – B: 4″
- Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ) @ 40″
- Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) @ 49″
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