Special envoy to Combloux
Jonas Vingegaard landed a huge blow to the head of Tadej Pogacar while flying over Tuesday’s time trial between Passy and Combloux. A show of force which may have put an end to the Slovenian’s hopes before the queen stage of the 2023 edition. of four major difficulties: the col des Saisies (13.3 km at 5.3 km), then the ascent of Cormet de Roselend (19.9 km at 6%) followed by the climb of the côte de Longefoy (6, 6 km at 7.5%) before the interminable climb of the Col de la Loze (28.1 km at 6%). This will be the last opportunity to shine for the climbers who will no doubt have managed their effort on Tuesday in the clock to aim for a stage victory.
The fictitious start will be given at 12:20 p.m. and the real start at 12:30 p.m. The arrival is scheduled for 5:22 p.m. with an average speed of 34 km/h.
France 2 from 12:00 p.m. then France 3 at 12:55 p.m. before switching to France 2 at 3:00 p.m.
How will Tadej Pogacar recover physically but also mentally from the slap received on Tuesday in the time trial to Combloux? The Slovenian is forced to try something in the toughest stage of the 2023 edition to maintain a slim hope of victory, but the Jumbo-Visma will certainly react to all the initiatives launched by the UAE Team Emirates team. Remember that three years ago, Pogacar had not been very to his advantage in the climb of the Col de la Loze in his fight against Roglic. We are therefore betting on a victory for the Dane to definitively take shelter until Paris and stifle the armada of the Slovenian.
Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc will host the Tour de France for the 4th time. Will the Haute-Savoie resort inspire the French? The first time the Grande Boucle had stopped, Thierry Claveyrolat won and Ronan Pensec took the yellow jersey. But that was in… 1990! A must: the Mont-Blanc tramway, the highest cogwheel train in Europe with a terminus at the Nid d’Aigle at an altitude of 2372 m. To take care of yourself, head to the thermal baths of Saint-Gervais.
Courchevel is inseparable from the name of Richard Virenque who won in 1997 at the altiport, the year he finished 2nd in the general classification with the polka dot jersey on his back in Paris. Courchevel is one of the most prestigious ski areas in France with 600 km of slopes integrated into the Three Valleys area. The city that hosts the international pyrotechnic art festival was the birthplace of slalom champion Alexis Pinturault.
Before leaving the Alps, a last cure of cheese is essential: Savoyard fondue, raclette will be on the menu of the most gourmet who can test the local beers or the gin of Mont Blanc. Small variation in Courchevel with polenta.
Said of a rider who goes back and forth in the peloton. Dropped, it comes back at the cost of a big effort before being unhooked again. A burst of effort may allow him to return to the group again, but by dint of pulling, the rubber band often ends up letting go.
Example: “I did the bungee four times on the group towards the Col de la Ruchère before being unclipped definitively.”
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