Tim Merlier powered past Jonathan Milan to win stage nine of the Tour de France on Sunday, denying the green jersey holder back-to-back wins after Mathieu van der Poel's audacious solo attack ended in heartbreak just 700 metres from the finish.

Italian rider Jonathan Milan has timed his attack perfectly to win the eighth stage of the Tour de France in a sprint finish.

Jonathan Milan seeks back-to-back Tour de France wins as Tim Merlier aims for revenge in Stage 9 sprint battle through Loire valley on Sunday.