Finally there is a Frenchman, who has been able to defy tough competitors and clinch the winning title at the end of the stage 9 of the Tour de France. Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bougyues Telecom) has made his countrymen proud as he raced past others towards his win in the event that was hosted by his country. Although there is hardly any chance of any Frenchman notching the coveted title this year, for now, Fedrigo has given his nation a reason to celebrate. There has been a long stretched drought of Frenchman tucking away any tour wins since Bernard Hinault in the year of 1985.

Pierrick Fedrigo nudged past Franco Pellizotti (Linuigas) in the final sprint that had been between the two survivors from an early break in the stage 9.

Today’s race was spread over a distance of 160.5 kilometers; it took a looping turn towards the west direction from the Saint Gaudens to Tarbes. Along the way, the riders raced through some absolutely mind numbing and stunning scenery. The allotted land had the riders scale the category 1 Col d’Aspin (km 60.5, 12.3 km of climbing averaging 6.4%) and then the hors categorie and the legendary, Col du Tourmalet (90 km, 17.1 km of climbing at 7.4%). The stage 9 of the Tour also had three bonus sprints, at the Sarrancolin (41.5 km), Lau Balagnes (125.2 km) and finally at Lourdes (139 km).

The 30year old, Fedrigo displayed great skills as he made the final dash for the finishing line, with thousands of Tarbes locals cheering him enthusiastically. This was the second Tour de France stage win for him.

• Tour de France 2009