Loic Desriac powerless against Kergozou's 'wind-breaking' sprint in Hue City

Loic Desriac bất lực trước nước rút 'xé gió của Kergozou ở TP Huế - Ảnh 1. — Nicholas Kergozou wins in Hue City - Photo: HUY VU

On the familiar route around the two Trang Tien – Phu Xuan bridges (42km) in stage 9 of the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup – Ton Dong A 2025, the racers competed 20 laps at high speed right from the first meters.

Three racers Nguyen Truc Xinh (HCMC – New Group), Ngo Thanh Sang (Dopagan Dong Thap) and Nguyen Pham Quoc Khang (Pelio Kenda Dong Nai) quickly escaped but could not create a safe distance.

When only about 3km away from the first sprint point, Quoc Khang suddenly escaped to win the first bonus point. In sprint 2, Ngo Van Phuong (Hanoi) was faster to get more points for himself.

The situation then brought the large group together and rushed to the finish line. With the sprinters including famous names such as Nicholas Kergozou, Nguyen Van Binh (HCMC – New Group) or Savva Novikov (Binh Minh Binh Duong Plastic), experts were waiting for a classic sprint.

But Loic Desriac (Domesco Pharmacy Dong Thap) broke that script. With more than 1km left, yellow jersey Desriac suddenly made a brave, solitary escape.

The former French U23 player leaped forward with great momentum, leaving many racing teams unable to reorganize their formation. At first, only Ngo Van Phap (620 Chau Thoi Vinh Long) was able to stay close behind.

Desriac thought victory was within reach, but Nicholas Kergozou suddenly became a "ground rocket". From a fairly far position, he pushed his speed to the limit in the last 100m, surpassing everyone to reach the finish line first amid the explosive cheers of spectators on both sides of the road. This was Kergozou's 5th stage victory of the tournament. And it helped him continue to hold on to the overall green jersey.

As for Loic Desriac, his early efforts left him out of breath and falling behind. Ngo Van Phap took second place. However, Desriac still successfully defended his yellow jersey after 9 stages.

Tomorrow (April 13), the racers will enter stage 10 from Hue City to Da Nang City with a route of 117.5km. This will be an important stage of this year's race with 3 passes: Phuoc Tuong, Phu Gia and Hai Van.

The championship candidates of the tournament will likely be revealed after this race.