Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) wins stage 12
Stage 13 is relatively easy – until the last 17.4 kilometers – where the gradient is an average of 7.1%. While this could be a stage where an early break gets away, more than likely it will be the climbers and GC rivals who animate this stage. Stage 13 is also the 14th of July, the French holiday, so we can expect to see French riders going for the victory. But look especially for GC rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar to test each other in the final kilometers. What happens will be telling. The Grand Colombier is the crystal ball of what is to come on stage 14 and 15.
Stage 13 Favorites
Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogacar, Jai Hindley, Simon Yates, Mikel Landa
Stage 13 Profile
Tour Talk
“I attacked [stage 12] at a time when I felt that the other riders were looking at each other. I knew that the descent was favorable to me, with a tailwind to the line. In these conditions it was much better to be alone at the front.” – Ion Izagirre (Cofidis), winner stage 12.
“I had good legs [on stage 12]. I am very motivated and know tomorrow’s climb [stage 13]very well, so let the weekend come. Hopefully the legs will be as good as today [stage 12].” – Tadej Pogačar
“Everyone in our team felt good [stage 12] myself included. I didn’t think it was such a demanding day. I’m looking forward to the uphill finish [stage 13]. – Jonas Vingegaard.
“The longer mountain stages are still coming and they suit Vingegaard better. That’s why I see him winning the Tour.” – Yves Lampaert (Soudal-Quickstep).
“Pogacar [will win the Tour]. Just because I think it’s going to turn into a mental game. He has already handed out a few small injections and mentally I think he is the stronger of the two.” – Stan Dewulf (AG2R Citroën).
“Even though I didn’t feel great yet, I tried. I was hoping to get over the last climb with a bit of a lead, but the gap was too small.” – Mathieu van der Poel, after Stage 12.
“In the group at the back [behind the peloton] there are [riders] rather well placed in general. The goal is to try to maintain a certain rhythm to maintain the gap.” – DS Vincent Lavenu (AG2R-Citroën) speaking of the team’s tactics on stage 12.
“It is clear that we are currently fighting with ourselves. But that would apply to any team that has lost its leader [Fabio Jakobsen]. You build your team around one specific rider. If that rider then drops out … it just gets difficult.” – DS Toms 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) +4:22″
- 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″
