Special envoy to the Markstein
TOPS
Pinot madness. The Franc-Comtois was living his last mountain stage on the Tour. He knew he was expected everywhere, especially in the bend of the Petit Ballon invaded by the “CUP”, the Collectif des Ultras de Pinot. The rider from the Groupama-FDJ team benefited from the attention of his team (Madouas, Küng, Gaudu…) and attacked 30 km from the finish, under the eyes of his fans. The tears that Marc Madiot shed at the start of the stage illustrated the special moment experienced by the team for its emblematic rider. The Franc-Comtois (finally 7th on the stage) broke down on the last ascent but offered a great moment of sport to his whole country.
Pogacar raises his head. Adrift on Wednesday the day after the slap received in the time trial towards Combloux, Pogacar seemed as much affected physically as mentally. Stunned with one knee on the ground, the Slovenian drew on his reserves to come and win at Markstein, pocketing his eleventh victory, ahead of Jonas Vingegaard in the sprint. Panache and pride. Like always.
Ciccone’s plume. The Italian (Lidl-Trek) had a challenge in mind for several days, to finish the Tour wearing the polka dot jersey, he applied himself throughout the decisive day to place himself to collect the precious points which will allow him to climb with his polka dot jersey, his polka dot shorts, his polka dot socks… At the top of the Col de la Schlucht, the Italian could celebrate with his arms raised his passage to the top of the classification for climbers as a victory. A symbolic image. Giulio Ciccone will remain as one of the figures of the Tour.
A mini Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the Vosges. On the eve of the parade on the Champs-Élysées, the Tour experienced a (new) crazy day. The six passes were used and did not simply serve as scenery. And the public, numerous on all the hot spots (but disciplined) gave the day a festive air as the attacks multiplied in the end.
FLOPS
Victor Lafay, through the back door. What sadness for the only French stage winner of the 2023 edition (in San Sebastian) before the arrival at the Champs-Élysées. The rider from the Cofidis team was forced to retire this Saturday, hit in the knee and in pain for a few days. The Lyonnais will not see Paris.
David Gaudu cracks one last time. paradoxically, the day was rather good for David Gaudu who climbed one place in the general classification (9th) before arriving in Paris, but the leader of Groupama-FDJ finished the stage in 24th place, 5’07 behind Pogacar having caused a very big scare. The Breton seemed to touch his earpiece on the descent of the Col du Petit Ballon before slipping and falling on the right thigh.
