PARIS, July 14 -- Daryl Impey became the second South African rider to have won a Tour de France stage in Sunday's ninth stage, while home favorite Julian Alaphilippe kept his yellow jersey on the Bastille Day.
Impey was among 14 breakaway riders shortly after the stage started. As none in the group posed concrete threat to changing positions on the overall standings, potential title contenders including Alaphilippe and defending champion Geraint Thomas opted to take it easy riding in the peleton.
Impey and Belgium's Tiesj Benoot were involved in the final sprint, before Impey repeated the success of compatriot Robert Hunter in 2007.
"Pretty much, for me, from a Tour de France perspective, a stage win was something really missing," said Impey.
"I was kind of lucky to find the right move. We worked all well together. I'm glad the legs were there at the end to beat Tiesj Benoot. I haven't been emotional like that for a long time," he added.
Finishing in the main pack alongside main opponents, over 16 minutes adrift Impey, Alaphilippe managed to maintain his overall lead.
"I want to thank everyone on the road side. I'll remember all the people cheering for me, it was incredible. It's nice to be in yellow especially today, but every day in yellow is special. That's why I fight to keep it," Alaphilippe pointed out.
Thomas stays fifth overall, 1 minute and 12 seconds behind Alaphilippe.
For sprinters, the 217.5km flat stage from Saint-Flour to Albi provides another golden opportunity of contending for glory on Monday.