Cycling: Warren Barguil (Sunweb) won the final mountain stage of this year's Tour de France. The Frenchman celebrated his second victory of the day. In addition, he finally secured the mountain jersey. In the overall standings, the decision was postponed. Chris Froome (Sky) remains in the yellow jersey, but Romain Bardet (Ag2r) and Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) are just behind him. Only Fabio Aru (Astana) retired from the fight for overall victory.
Warren Barguil wins the 2017 Tour de France mountain jersey
On the 18th stage of the Tour de France, the remaining professionals had to complete the last major obstacle. The Col d'Izoard was the final climb on the program. Should make one last decision in the mountains in the general classification. More than 40 drivers were able to break away from the field very early. Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-hansgrohe) tried it too. But the German classification driver missed the postal departure. At the Colombian Independence Day, Darwin Atapuma (UAE) crept into the top group. Also present was Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal), who wanted to challenge Warren Barguil (Sunweb) for his mountain jersey again. However, the Belgian did not succeed, which is why he congratulated him directly on winning the mountain classification after he had been caught.
Team Ag2r takes command of the peloton
In the peloton, Team Sky initially provided the necessary pace. However, the breakaways were given a reasonable lead. On the penultimate climb, the Équipe Ag2r then took command to make life difficult again with Romain Bardet (Ag2r) Chris Froome (Sky). Meanwhile, Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) was able to break away from his companions at the front. He was pursued by Darwin Atapuma. The Colombian seemed particularly motivated today. After all, a particularly large number of Colombian spectators were spread out along the side of the track today. On the final climb, they naturally also hoped for Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac).
Atapuma passes Lutsenko - attack by Contador & Barguil
It should be tight. The distance of the field decreased. With seven kilometers to go – in the middle of the ascent of the Col d'Izoard – it was less than three minutes. Atapuma shifted up a gear and caught up with Lutsenko. Right after that he left him. In the peloton, there were still chances of winning the stage due to the small gap. Among others, Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) and Warren Barguil (Sunweb) attacked. The Frenchman in the mountain jersey broke away and went in pursuit of Atapuma. Sky meanwhile took back command of the group of favourites, causing difficulties for Fabio Aru (Astana) and Simon Yates (Orica-Scott). But they could still follow the pace.
Fabio Aru flies backwards - Mikel Landa forwards
Five kilometers before the finish, Chris Froome was attacked for the first time. Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors) made a brief appearance but was not let go by Sky. The British team upped the ante to – like ours Preview of the 18th stage assumed – to be able to win another stage. Fabio Aru finally lost touch and with it probably all chances for the podium at this year's Tour de France. Mikel Landa (Sky) presented himself completely differently. The Spaniard – just 1:24 minutes behind his team-mate Froome in the overall standings – suddenly pulled away. Of course, the cycling fans couldn't see whether Sky used all their tactical options or whether Landa rebelled within the team.
Warren Barguil with second stage win
Around 2,5 kilometers from the finish, Bardet attacked for the first time. However, Uran and Froome were able to easily follow him. After that, the man in yellow continued his attack. Froome took advantage of a small descent inside the Col d'Izoard and closed the gap to his teammate Landa. However, Uran and Bardet stayed tuned. Meanwhile, Barguil took the lead of the race. Atapuma had nothing more to oppose him. Warren Barguil thus secured his second stage win in this year's Tour de France. Atapuma saved second place from Bardet, Froome and Uran. In the overall standings, things remain exciting. Only the time trial in Marseille will bring the decision.
