It was another stage with plenty of accidents in the last 50km. Mark Cavendish gives an insight into the mindset of the riders during these long, flat routes.
As a stage marked down as one for the sprinters, Mark Cavendish will be disappointed that he and his Dimension Data team couldn't capitalise on an opportunity to take the yellow jersey.
Mark Cavendish.
Credit: PA
Mark Cavendish claimed his fourth stage win of the 2016 Tour de France – and 30th of his career – with victory in the Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes.
Dimension Data sprinter Mark Cavendish saw his hopes of a fourth stage win on this Tour dashed by a mechanical. His one consolation on a hard day in the saddle? "At least I didn't get beaten!"
Sprint veteran Mark Cavendish reacts to Stage 9 of the Tour de France.
"I'm from the Isle of Man, man – I can't deal with this heat!"
Yes, after a brutal, hot day in the mountains, a weary Mark Cavendish spoke to our reporter Matt Rendell about how much he enjoyed Stage 8: the heat, throwing up over his handlebars, and a puncture on the final climb for good measure.
It's fair to say Cav won't be getting a call from the Pyrenees tourism board any time soon…