Dane Jonas Vingegaard secured victory on the demanding 11th stage of the Tour. Tadej Pogacar showed weaknesses for the first time and lost the yellow jersey to Vingegaard.
On the mountain stage over 152 km from Albertville on the Col du Granon Serre Chevalier attacked Vingegaard on the final piece and brought his attack curated and impressive to the target. Second place went to Nairo Quintana from Colombia, third was Frenchman Romain Bardet, who climbed to second place overall.
From a German point of view, Simon Geschke saved his mountain jersey for another day over the high mountain giants. But the stars of the industry provided the famous spectacle at around 30 degrees – and that’s when the tour experienced a huge surprise.
Pogacar fends off all attacks – until the final climb
Throughout the stage, race leader Pogacar’s pursuers attacked on the climbs to Col du Telegraphe and the 2642 meter high Col du Galibieralso on the final ascent to the finish at the 2413 m high Col du Granon. But the Slovenian fended off all attacks first.
When Jonas Vingegaard launched his final attack about five kilometers from the finish, the 23-year-old had nothing to counter for the first time. Vingegaard won, Geraint Thomas, Romain Bardet, David Gaudu or Nairo Quintana – all of the co-favorites literally left Pogacar on the mountain. The Slovenian staggered precariously, his jersey completely torn open. It was the biggest defeat in his young career. The UAE pro lost more than two minutes to the new leader, conceding seventh this Wednesday 2 min 52 sec. on the final climb.
King’s stage in the Alps up to Alpe d’Huez
The twelfth stage on the French national holiday offers the provisional highlight of this year’s tour: the riders have to conquer three mountains of the highest category over 4,750 meters in altitude, crowned by the final climb into the legendary Alpe d’Huez.