Ben Healy produced an astonishing climb up the legendary Mont Ventoux but was denied a second stage victory of this year’s Tour de France by two bike lengths.
The 24-year-old EF Education-EasyPost rider chased down Enric Mas on the upper slopes of the ‘Bald Mountain’ – the scene of some of the Tour’s most famous moments.
The Birmingham-born Irish cyclist was pipped on the line by French favourite Valentin Paret-Peintre in the final metres of the 171.5-kilometre stage that started in Montpellier and finished on the bare roads leading to the renowned observatory.
A typically aggressive ride from Healy saw him battling to the line with Mas, Ilan Van Wilder, Santiago Buitrago and Soudal Quick-Step rider Paret-Peintre.
TOUR DE FRANCE RESULTS AND STANDINGS
Healy and Paret-Peintre broke from the others in the last few hundred metres and it was the home rider who won out in the final moments of another exciting stage.
Healy gained one place in the general classification, jumping Carlos Rodriguez to take ninth spot.
Race leader Tadej Pogacar finished fifth, 43 seconds back, gaining two seconds on his closest rival Jonas Vingegaard.
Last week Healy became the fourth Irish cyclist to wear the famous Yellow Jersey, leading the Tour de France for two days, having won Stage 6 before taking the lead with a third-place finish on Bastille Day.
More to follow