Tim Merlier wins stage nine of the Tour de France in a sprint finish as Mathieu van der Poel's hopes of an audacious breakaway victory are dashed inside the final kilometre.

Belgium’s Tim Merlier won his second stage at this year’s Tour de France on Sunday, outsprinting Jonathan Milan and Arnaud De Lie in Châteauroux, but the real story of the day was an incredible day-long break from Alpecin-Deceuninck pair Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert.

After Monday's spectacle and a well-deserved rest day on Tuesday, it's time for part two of the Tour de France on Wednesday. Where the attackers had plenty of opportunities in week one, this stage could also be one for the offensive riders.