Tour de France thriller: Pogacar surprises Vingegaard and the cycling world

class=”sc-29f61514-0 fQbOYE”>

Tadej Pogacar triumphs in the first of four mountain finishes in this year’s Tour de France. The Slovenian arrives in Cauterets-Cambasque 24 seconds ahead of last year’s winner, Jonas Vingegaard, who is new to the yellow jersey.

Pogacar managed to mount a counter-attack that hardly anyone expected. The day before he had lost more than a minute. Now the Slovenian has reduced the gap to the Dane in the general classification to 25 seconds. The results of the Tour de France 2023 are completely open again.

In the 6th stage with the Col d’Aspin and the famous Col du Tourmalet, the riders were already put to the test before the final climb. Another offensive drive, another blow was exchanged between the two top favorites and another decision was made at the end that was not expected.

Vingegaard attacks at Tourmalet

Vingegaard finally wanted to get Pogacar, who admitted defeat on Thursday, out of the yellow jersey decision. The Dane attacked decisively at the Tourmalet. Australia’s Jai Hindley in the yellow jersey didn’t stand a chance – he’s now third overall, a minute and a half behind, while Pogacar didn’t let up.

The two Tour favorites overtook the leading group before the final climb. The Belgian Wout van Aert acted as relay station. He fell back and led his captain Vingegaard and his companion Pogacar to the leading group.

Successful Pogacar counterattack

With 5km to go, Vingegaard attacked again, but Pogacar stayed close and penalized the Dane for his offensive riding style. Pogacar’s counterattack seemed to take Vingegaard by surprise. He couldn’t react and just tried to keep the backlog down.

The Tour de France 2023, which already threatened with boredom after the first week due to Vingegaard and his dominating Jumbo Visma team, will therefore be exciting again. The top two is in a class of its own and will probably face an exciting duel. (SDA)

Source : Blick