Jonas Vingegaard can hardly be robbed of the overall victory at the 109th Tour de France. The 25-year-old Dane won yesterday’s final mountain stage in Hautacam 64 seconds ahead of defending champion Tadej Pogacar, extending his lead over the Slovenian to 3:26. That should be enough. Because it is more than unlikely that Pogacar will make up this deficit in the individual time trial tomorrow.
The 18th stage delivered the expected spectacle. Pogacar constantly attacked the yellow jersey before the breakneck descent from the Col de Spandelles almost became a big drama.
First Vingegaard avoided a fall with a skilful maneuver, then his rival from Slovenia fell in a corner. But Vingegaard showed true greatness and was waiting for the 2020 and 2021 tour champion. “He paid taxes and got into the gravel. Of course I waited,” said Vingegaard about the key scene. Shortly thereafter, Pogacar was back on the rear wheel with tattered cycling shorts and a grazed leg. Both shook hands.
In the breathtaking duel with his 23-year-old competitor, Vingegaard then delivered a demonstration of power at the end of the super-difficult stage. After parrying all of Pogacar’s attacks, the Dane knocked him out with his attack 4.4 kilometers from the finish.
Today’s 19th stage over 188.3 kilometers from Castelnau-Magnoac to Cahors mostly runs over flat terrain.
109. Tour de France: Stage 18 Lourdes–Hautacam (143.5 km): 1. Vingegaard (Den) Jumbo 3:59:50 hours, 2. Pogacar (Slo) UAE +1:04 min., 3. Van Aert (Bel) Jumbo +2:10, 4th Thomas (Gb) Grenadiers +2:54; also: 18. Mühlberger (Austria) Movistar +7:23; 22. Konrad (Austria) Bora +10:02; 35. Schönberger (Austria) B&B +17:14; 88. Grossschartner (Austria) Bora +32:23; Overall: 1st Vingegaard 71:53:34 hrs, 2nd Pogacar +3:26, 3rd Thomas +8:00, 4th Gaudu (Fra) Groupama 11:05; further: 17. Konrad +51:38; 30. Mühlberger +1:53:17; 37. Schoenberger +2:11:12.
Source: Nachrichten
