Special envoy to Tarbes
September 6, 2020, 9th stage of the Tour, Pau-Laruns (153 km). The Swiss Marc Hirschi launched into a crazy adventure 80 km from the finish of the Pau-Laruns stage counted more than 4′ in advance before seeing his lead and his forces melt away. In the last kilometer, he gives everything, manages to launch the last chance sprint before being swallowed up. In the small group of strong (Roglic, Bernal, Landa) launched at high speed, a runner surprises, stands out, imposes himself. Tadej Pogacar (who had distinguished himself, 2nd in the 4th stage in Orcières-Merlette) won his first stage victory in the Tour de France. 8 will follow. Ongoing series.
That day, replaced in the general classification after being trapped in a curb and having lost 1’21” during the 7th stage, the Slovenian (21 years old) was beaming. And his joy overshadowed the first yellow jersey of his rival and compatriot Primoz Roglic. “I had nine fantastic days, I’m happy. I came for the general classification. I lost a bit of time but that doesn’t mean much. If you don’t attack, you can’t take time back. I was in a situation where I had to take it back. In the next two weeks, there will be greater differences. If opportunities arise for wins, I will take my chance. This Tour will be more and more interesting”, he assured.
The youngest would be a permanent threat throughout the Tour for his elder. He would manage to overthrow him after an incredible time trial in the Planche des Belles Filles (36.2 km), the day before the parade on the Champs-Elysées. Starting 57 seconds behind, Pogacar crushed the stage and finished 1’56 ” ahead of Roglic (5th in the last qualifying) bloodless, the helmet ill-fitting, the rhythm out of order, the dream shattered.
This Wednesday, Tadej Pogacar will find Laruns, a known and appreciated playground. Where almost everything began…
