2023-07-22 06:16:47
21/07/2023
On the eve of arrival in Paris, the 20th stage of the Tour de France proposes this Saturday a last carousel of passes in the Vosges with a favorable route to see a beautiful battle for the victory at the finish line, in the absence of suspense for the general victory.
The immense advantage of the yellow jersey Jonas Vingegaard (7:35 over Tadej Pogacar) has annihilated what seemed like an ideal scenario for the fans, with a last titanic fight between the start in Belfort and the finish in Le Markstein. Despite this, the profile of this stage continues to make it attractive, with ascents to the Ballon d’Alsace, the Croix des Moinats, Grosse Pierre, Schlucht, the Petit Ballon and the Platzerwasel passes.
A total of six cataloged ascents for a positive difference of 3,500 meters over 133.5 kilometers of the race. “We tried to come up with something in the penultimate stage that might still turn the rankings upside down. It is strong, rough, conducive to attacks and high intensity”, analyzes the architect of the Tour layout, Thierry Gouvenou.
After an ascent to the Ballon d’Alsace on its less difficult side (11.5 kilometers at 5.2%), the stage should pick up steam at the Col de Grosse Pierre, with a section of 1.2 kilometers at an average speed of 12.2% with steps at 18%.
Although the last two climbs will define the winner of the day: the Petit Ballon (9.3 km at 8.1%) and the Platzerwasel (7.1 km at 8.4%). “The Little Ball/Platzerwasel succession does a lot of damage,” explains Thibaut Pinot, a runner from the region, who knows every inch of the journey.
If Vingegaard already has victory almost assured, he will have to be wary of the relegation of the Petit Ballon, very technical.
Egan is pleased
The Slovenian Matej Mohoric (Bahrain) prevailed this Friday by beating his two breakaway companions in the sprint, the Danish Kasper Asgreen (Soudal), winner of Thursday’s stage, and the Australian Ben O’Connor (AG2r Citroen).
For his part, Egan Bernal (Ineos) showed satisfaction following entering the peloton in 47th place, more than 13 minutes behind the winner. “When I started this Tour I didn’t have any expectations, I didn’t set myself a goal. Anything might happen. I think coming here is the best decision I’ve ever made”, stated Bernal, who is still 37th overall, 2.22:29 behind Vingegaard.
“It’s going to be good for me in the future and I’m super happy to finish the test,” said Bernal, who, by the way, declined to participate in the World Road Championships that will take place in Glasgow (United Kingdom) between August 5 and 13.
The reason: the route does not favor him and he believes that he can contribute little.
1690024873
#Stage #Tour #France #great #demand
