Canadian Hugo Houle won the 16th stage of the Tour de France alone in Foix. Dane Jonas Vingegaard retained the yellow jersey.
Houle (31) thus celebrated his first World Tour success. He is only the second Canadian to win a stage on the Grande Boucle following Steve Bauer in 1988. He preceded the Frenchman Valentin Madouas by 1’10.
The winner was part of the breakaway of the day. He was able to break free before the last difficulty of the day, the formidable Mur de Péguère, and never wavered. Behind, Tadej Pogacar tried in vain to attack the yellow jersey several times in the Port de Lers, 1st Pyrenean pass of this edition.
Bardet cracks
This stage, disputed in the heat wave, cost Romain Bardet dearly. The Frenchman, who was 4th overall, cracked on the last ascent and lost 3’30 to the leader. The big fight between the contenders for the final victory will take place on Wednesday during the 17th stage between Saint-Gaudens and Peyragudes (130 km). In addition to the final climb, it will offer 3 passes in the Pyrenees massif.
ats/bur