Van der Poel Wins Heat-Shortened Stage 9 as Pogacar Holds Tour de France Lead

The Local France—Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel took Stage 9 of the Tour de France, a stage shortened due to extreme heat, while overall leader Tadej Pogacar retained his grip on the yellow jersey. The stage fell on Bastille Day, historically one of the most anticipated days of the Tour for French roadside fans. Stage curtailment due to heat underscores how this summer's extreme temperatures are reshaping major sporting events across Europe.

• The Local France — Bastille Day stage draws the largest French roadside crowds of the entire Tour each year
• The National (UAE) — Pogacar maintained overall yellow jersey lead despite the disrupted stage finish
• The Globe and Mail — Stage 9 was cut short due to extreme heat affecting riders and the course route