TOPS
Pedersen’s perfect shot. The well-placed Dane (Lidl-Trek), well launched by effective teamwork in the last 5 kilometers, resisted the return of Jasper Philipsen, the green jersey. The Belgian, as since the start of the Tour, was able to rely on the collaboration of Mathieu van der Poel, a model teammate who did not hesitate to sacrifice his personal chances to play his role as a catapult, but the green jersey remained at the level of the Dane’s pedals. Pedersen (2019 world champion) signs his second success on the Tour (after a bouquet in Saint-Etienne in 2022).
Turgis, the combative. The French were still in the breakaway, with Anthony Delaplace (Arkea-Samsic) and Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies), accompanied by Belgian Tim Declercq (Soudal-Quick Step). Starting at the 22nd km, they counted 4’05” at 90 km from the finish. At the heart of a high-speed stage (51.2 km/h in the first hour; 46.8 km over the whole stage). They were still leaning on a 2′ mattress 39 km from the goal. Behind them, the Alpecin-Deceuninck, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty and Jumbo-Visma formations took turns in the lead, illustrating their ambitions for the stage. Anthony Turgis launched an attack 16.5 km from the finish to defend the last 45”. Before getting up 8 km from the line. Awarded the Fighting Spirit Award.
The rugged final in Limoges. The last kilometer, in the shade in its first 200 meters then let slip 800 uneven meters, devoid of difficulty. A launch pad that served the punchers, offered a spectacular final packaging. Ideal for expressing the power of Mads Pedersen.
FLOPS
Van Aert always fanny. The Jumbo-Visma formation (Christophe Laporte in the lead) worked during the stage, then in the final but the Belgian, surprised and stuck in the final package, did not come out as he imagined. “WVA” (3rd), handyman in the yellow jersey formation, once again had to settle for a place of honor (2nd in San Sebastian, 5th in Bayonne, 9th in Nogaro).
The bad luck that overwhelms Cavendish. The Briton (Astana, 38) had announced that he was living his last Tour. With one goal in mind, win a stage to climb a notch above King Eddy Merckx. A slowdown 59 km from the finish threw him to the ground. Raised with a sharp pain in the left shoulder, the sprinter from the Isle of Man quickly understood. He left the race with a bruised body, misty eyes. Annoyed. In 2014, in Harrogate, the first stage arrived in front of his mother’s house. He dreamed of wearing the yellow jersey but after a fall in the sprint, he was forced to retire. Nine years later, he endured a sad exit.
Girmay exceeded. The Eritrean, often placed at the forefront (3rd in Bordeaux) failed to catch the right wheel in the final. Frustrated, he had to settle for 44th place in Limoges (19” from Pedersen).
