Jasper Philipsen sprinted to his 4th victory in stage 11
Stage 12 will be one for the barouders, but will also play a pivotal role in the general classification before the peloton hits the Alpes. It will be up-down, up-down, all day long, with more than 3000 meters elevation gain. Look for stage hunters to go early and the GC favorites to test each other’s legs on the five categorized climbs. As was the case on Tuesday, sprinters will need to pay attention to the time cut.
Stage 12 Favorites
Wout van Aert, Matteo Jorgenson, Krists Neilands, Michael Woods, Matej Mohoric
Stage 12 Profile
Tour Talk
After discussing with the team, we decided that it was better for me to stop my Tour de France. At this point, it seems impossible for me to reach Paris while I am not recovering, my body is not healing after my fall [stage 4].” – Fabio Jakobsen.
“Tuesday’s stage became one of the toughest of the entire Tour and today [stage 12] is similar. It is a treacherous ride, it can also be a tough ride for the favorites.” – Tadej Pogačar.
“It will be interesting to see what the plans of the other teams will be [on stage 12]. Our plan is to defend the yellow jersey. We have to make sure that no dangerous riders get away in the opening part. I wouldn’t be surprised if they [GC rivals] attack early, so we have to be attentive from the start,” – Jonas Vingegaard.
“We are going to defend this Yellow Jersey, I love every day I wear it, it is the most beautiful jersey that exists in cycling and I enjoy every moment with it.” – Jonas Vingegaard.
“Until now, it’s been more or less explosive, I would say. So with the added fatigue and multi-mountain stages, it going to be a different race [in the Alpes] I think.”– Sepp Kuss.
“I can’t [believe] how well things are going,” Philipsen continued. “I am very proud and very happy with my form. We’ve done it four times now. I am super happy with that.” – Jasper Philipsen, on his stage 11 victory.
“Philipsen has no rivals.” – La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The new sprint giant [ Philipsen].” – L’Équipe.
“A new lesson from the great master.” – Le Parisien.
“Philips VI of Bourbon.” – AS
“Our patience is being tested. I was convinced this morning [stage 11] that it was going to be okay and in the end a second place. But if someone [like Philipsen] is faster, there’s not much you can do about it. I would rather finish tenth than second.” – Dylan Groenewegen.
“They’re [the riders] still smiling, they’re still eating, they’re still drinking. They’re still motivated every day even if they suffer,” – D.S. Tom Steels (Soudal-Quickstep).
General Classification
- Jonas Vingegaard (DEN, Jumbo-Visma) 46h 34’27”
- Tadej Pogacar (SLO, UAE Team Emirates) +17″
- Jai Hindley (AUS, Bora-Hansgrohe) +2:40″
- Carlos Rodriguez Cano (ESP, Ineos Grenadiers) +4:24″
- Pello Bilbao (ESP, Bahrain – Victorious +4:36″
- Adam Yates (GBR, UAE Team Emirates) +4:41″
- Simon Yates (GBR, Team Jayco AlUla) +4:46″
- Tom Pidcock (GBR, INEOS Grenadiers) +5:28″
- David Gaudu (FRA, Groupama) +6:01″
- Sepp Kuss (USA, Jumbo-Visma) +6:47″
