Michael Matthews (BikeExchange) won in Mende at the end of the 14th stage of the Tour de France from St-Etienne. The 31-year-old Australian won his 4th stage on the Tour. Matthews overtook Alberto Bettiol in the last difficulty, while 3rd place went to Thibaut Pinot.
Everything was logically decided in the last difficulty, the Côte de la Croix-Neuve, a climb of 3 kilometers at 10.4%. Having left on a breakaway, MIchael Matthews saw Alberto Bettiol come back on this Jalabert climb. The Italian gave the impression of being more dashing than the Australian for a time, but the latter measured his effort beautifully. Returning to Bettiol, Matthews placed a sumptuous acceleration to which the Transalpin might not respond.
Vingegaard resists Pogacar
The battle for the yellow jersey was also very good. Tadej Pogacar tried everything to falter Jonas Vingegaard, but the Dane did not give in to his runner-up. One thing is certain, the white jersey and the yellow jersey are in a separate caste.
The double defending champion has only two options left if he intends to make up time for his rival. It will be Wednesday and Thursday during the two stages of the Pyrenees with arrival at the top.
ats/jfk
