In a hurry to the big tour finale

Before the triumphant journey to Paris beckons, a tough finale in the Vosges Mountains awaits at the 110th Tour de France on Saturday. The leader Jonas Vingegaard, but also Austria’s Felix Gall, currently eighth, didn’t really get a last breather today on the 19th stage. With an average speed of 49.2 km/h, the section was cranked down at breakneck speed. In the sprint of the breakaway trio, Kasper Asgreen (Soudal) narrowly missed repeating his win of the day before. After a photo finish, Matej Mohoric (Bahrain) was the winner.

Gall knows what’s in store for him tomorrow on the five climbs: “It’s going to be super hard again.” Despite being very tired, the East Tyrolean wants to go “all-in” again. Only six points are missing for the mountain jersey, but the top ten place has greater priority. If Vingegaard does not fall, the second overall victory after 2022 can no longer be taken away from him.

It starts for the women

The eight-stage women’s Tour of France begins on Sunday in Clermont-Ferrand. The big favorite is defending champion Annemiek van Vleuten. With the twins Kathrin and Christina Schweinberger, two Austrians are at the start.

• 110th Tour de France: Stage 19, Moirans-en-Montagne – Poligny (172.8km): 1st Mohoric (Slo) Bahrain 3:31:02 hrs, 2nd Asgreen (Den) Soudal same time; 13. Haller (Austria) Bora +1:41 min.; 39. Großschartner (Austria) UAE +13:43 min.; 54. Gall (Ö) AG2R same time; 126. Gogl (Austria) Alpecin +16:45; Overall standings: 1st Vingegaard (Den) Jumbo 75:49:24 hrs, 2nd Pogacar (Slo) UAE +7:35 mins, 3rd A. Yates (Gb) UAE +10:45; 8. Gall +16:11.