Only 122kph? Some riders went even faster on the Tour de France stage nine
Marcus Burghardt descended at 130.7kph on stage nine of the Tour de France, according to his Strava upload
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Leigh Howard showed that he sped along at 122kph at one point on stage nine of the Tour de France, but he wasn't the fastest rider on the road on Sunday.
Jeremy Roy (FDJ) recorded 127kph (79mph) on the descent of the Côte de la Comella while Marcus Burghardt (BMC) topped out at 130.7 (81.2mph) on the long downhill section from the first climb, according to his Strava upload.
The smooth, long straight roads down from the Bonaigua climb as the riders headed towards Androrra provided the peloton with some much needed time to rest their legs, but travelling at over 130kph must be pretty taxing mentally.
Watch: Tour de France stage 9 highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GePAU9ubgko
Burghardt finished 31 minutes down on stage winner Tom Dumoulin, while Roy finished seven minutes quicker, although both were working for teammates on the challenging mountain stage.
They did technically break the speed limit of the road in the area, but I'm sure the authorities won't be chasing them down to pay a fine.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
The Specialized Sale - we pick our four favorite deals in the US and UK
From helmets to electric road bikes, we highlight some serious savings in Specialized's current sale
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Bikes of the Atlas Mountain Race 2023: from comfort gravellers to speed weapons, here’s what caught our eye
Covering 1,300km / 800mi of Morocco’s gravel roads and mountain passes, the Atlas Mountain Race demands a tech-heavy approach for its 3+ days of bikepacking racing
By Stefan Abram • Published
-
An ode to Thibaut Pinot, the man who taught us to feel
The 32-year-old will retire at the end of this season, calling time on a career of highs and lows
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
'When there are 10 guys coming into the finish, I want to be one of them' - Lewis Askey on WorldTour life
Young British Groupama-FDJ rider has signed new contract with team until 2025
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'A big weight off my shoulders' — Jake Stewart takes 'emotional' first win
British rider breaks through with stage one victory at the Tour de l'Ain
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'He's going to win some big bike races' - Tom Pidcock hails Sam Watson as he turns pro with Groupama-FDJ
U23 British National champion has impressed his French team and more besides
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Biniam Girmay shares photo of eye-catching new helmet design
Eritrean rider shares image of new boxing cork design on cafe stop during training ride
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
How the team with the smallest budget in the WorldTour is overtaking the competition: The rise of Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert
The Belgian team has been punching above their weight all season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Biniam Girmay's stage 11 start in question after podium mishap
Eritrean stage-winner injured his eye with a cork during podium celebrations
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
'Unbelievable': Biniam Girmay seizes opportunity in watershed moment for cycling
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert rider becomes first Eritrean Grand Tour stage winner
By Adam Becket • Published