At the conclusion of a hectic 199km stage in Troyes that had 14 gravel sections, the rider for Ineos Grenadiers was narrowly defeated in the final sprint.
On a day that put all of the general classification riders to the test, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar held onto the yellow jersey as the leader and frequently energized the stage with attacks.
In the overall standings, Pogacar of UAE-Team Emirates leads Remco Evenepoel of Soudal-Quick Step by 33 seconds, with Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, the reigning champion, in third place, one minute and fifteen seconds behind.
Prior to Monday’s respite, Pogacar and Evenepoel tried to get up the road at different times.
The Dane, who had to switch bikes with Jan Tratnik due to an early mechanical issue, was less daring and content to neutralize their moves.
When he was finally caught out, approximately 20 kilometers from the finish, American teammate Matteo Jorgenson masterfully hauled him back onto the Pogacar wheel as the other riders in the general classification reunited.
Pogacar stated, “I ride with my heart and today was a day to do it,” seeming perplexed by Visma-Lease a Bike’s tactic.
