The 109th Tour de France served up an epic day yesterday in the Alps as Jonas Vingegaard rode his way into the yellow jersey.
The Dane went into the day 39-seconds down on Tadej Pogacar, but finished 2-minutes clear of the reigning champion.
Vingegaard’s Jumbo-Visma squad worked to isolate and weaken Pogacar on a punishing 11th stage.
The Slovenian had looked flawless up to that point in the race, threatening to make a third straight title a procession - even seen smiling for the cameras at the approach to the foot of the Granon.
? PIC OF THE DAY ?
by @century21fr
#TDF2022? A.S.O. / Charly Lopez pic.twitter.com/ERPbfcb8aB
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 13, 2022
Vingegaard came to this year’s race as a protected rider, before a crash for Primoz Roglic elevated him to Jumbo-Visma’s front-runner.
Thus far, the 25-year-old is certainly riding like a man worthy of the role.
Nairo Quintana took second on the day, but Romain Bardet was the other big winner as his third place moved him up to second overall.
Today takes the peloton back over the Galibier, before tackling the Col de la Croix de Fer.
The day culminates in a finish on Alpe d’Huez, where it will be seen whether or not this was one bad day for Pogacar or a sign of things to come.
? The Tour de France requires the respect and safety of the riders
?️ A fantastic #TDF2022 stage awaits us today, but only if we are all responsible. pic.twitter.com/YcQK0JhuPE
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 14, 2022
