"Our plan was not to have a battle today and keep everything tight" - Pogacar explain UAE tactics towards Châtel

Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates rode a conservative finale to the ninth stage of the Tour de France, however it came as a surprise as the team worked hard throughout the day, however without a clear goal in the eyes of many,

"It has been a good day, with a very strong performance from my team to show that I can rely on my teammates as much as they can rely on me," Pogacar explained at the end of the day. He went on to explain the team strategy which confused many on the opening day of the Alps: "Our plan was not to have a battle today and keep everything tight, under control."

With Brandon McNulty in front, it seemed as if UAE was setting up for a move in the final ascents, or at least have a match for both Jumbo-Visma and INEOS Grenadiers who also had riders in front - Wout van Aert and Jonathan Castroviejo respectively. They kept the gap small throughout the day burning through their riders, but at Pas de Morgins they slowed down the pace. Surprisingly with no move from the peloton, they were able to race as they wished.

"The beginning was hard as a very strong breakaway group went away and it took many kilometers for it to conform, but later on It all went down to the plan. I’m happy to go into the rest day with the yellow jersey. I’m quite confident and very motivated ahead of the second week," Pogacar concluded.

Although the TV cameras missed it, the final hilltop finish saw UAE ramp up the pace and set up Pogacar towards a sprint where he couldn't take time on Jonas Vingegaard, but took three seconds on the rest of the competition. He's heading into the second week with 39 seconds over Vingegaard and 1:17 minutes on Geraint Thomas.