Nairo Quintana saved a difficult day for the Colombians in the ninth stage of the Tour de France. He performed in the high mountains and entered the top 10 of the general classification. He is 2:13 behind leader Tadej Pogacar.
Before making its second break, the race had high mountains with the two successive first category climbs towards the finish line in Châtel after 193 kilometres.
21 cyclists put together the escape, including Rigoberto Urán with a three-minute advantage over the main group. The first ascents showed no attacks and the passage through the first category Col de la Croix at an average gradient of 7.6% was calm for everyone.
Daniel Martínez felt the rigor of the day and was left behind by the chasing group led by UAE Team Emirates. The climb towards Chatel les Portes du Soleil also proved tough for Urán, captured by the peloton in the closing moments of the race in Switzerland.
The two got off the hook against that group on a bad day saved by Nairo Quintana, always at the wheel of the leader. Bob Jungels went solo for the win and got it 22 seconds ahead.
The boyacense from Arkea finished tenth at 52 seconds with the lot from which the Slovenian broke away to increase his difference in the general classification. He now climbed into the top 10 of the standings 2:13 behind Pogacar.
The Tour will return on Tuesday July 12 with the tenth stage between Morzine – Megève with some slopes near the Alps.
Classification of Colombians in the Tour
10. Nairo Quintana (Arkea) a 2:13
22. Rigo Urán (EF) at 9:41
30. Daniel Martínez (Ineos) at 17:12