The Dane is 3:34 ahead of defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who was third in the race against the clock. Wout van Aert got the day’s win. Since there is traditionally no longer an attack on the final stage on Sunday after Paris, only an unfortunate fall by Vingegaard can prevent the second Danish Tour victory after Bjarne Riis in 1996.
“I knew from last year that I had the level to fight for the title, but winning it is something else,” said Vingegaard, second behind Pogacar last year. “I always believed that I had a chance to win the tour, but to do it is really incredible,” said the Dane, who kissed girlfriend Trine Hansen and daughter Frida in the rock town of Rocamadour hand squeezed.
Pogacar, who recently won twice, was already looking forward to next year, in which the next duel between the two dominators of the last three tours could come. “I see a really big challenge in Jonas, who I couldn’t overcome. I’m looking forward to the next Tour de France to get better and to overcome this obstacle,” said the Slovenian, who then also had more support from his team hopes. “We were also unlucky because we finished with only four riders (out of eight) with injuries and Covid.” On the other hand, Jumbo-Visma “rided perfectly, they showed they are strong,” he added.
Wout van Aert secured the day’s victory on the hilly course. The Belgian needed 47:59 minutes, which corresponds to an average speed of 50.9 kilometers per hour. It was the third stage win for Van Aert. “Today was a dream scenario. I’m super exhausted after three weeks and gave everything again,” said Van Aert in tears. At the foot of the podium he fell into the arms of his teammate and designated Tour winner Vingegaard.
The best Austrian was Felix Großschartner (Bora-hansgrohe) in 35th, 3.43 minutes behind. His team-mate Patrick Konrad finished 62nd, 5:13 behind, and travels to Paris as the best Austrian overall in 16th place.
The peloton starts the Tour d’Honneur in Paris on Sunday morning. From the La Défense Arena, head west out of the city before heading to the city center via the Cote du Pavé des Gardes and doing the obligatory final laps on the Champs-Élysées. Favorite to win after 115.6 kilometers is Van Aert, who won there last year
Source: Nachrichten
