ARCALIS, Andorra (AP) — Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin won the toughest stage in the Pyrenees of the Tour de France with a solo breakaway in a hailstorm Sunday.
Part of an early breakaway, Dumoulin attacked with 12 kilometers remaining in the 184.5-kilometer (115-mile) leg from Vielha d’Aran, Spain, to Arcalis in the principality of Andorra.
The ninth stage featured five demanding climbs, including an uphill, beyond-category finish in Arcalis.
The main pack featuring Chris Froome in the yellow jersey was several minutes behind.
On Team Giant-Alpecin, Dumoulin won the opening time trial in this year’s Giro d’Italia and wore the overall leader’s pink jersey for six stages before withdrawing midway through the race with saddle sores.
He also won two stages in last year’s Spanish Vuelta.
