Cycling: Miguel Angel Lopez surprisingly won the 17th stage of the Tour de France. Capitalizing on his experience at height, the Colombian celebrated in Méribel in front of Primoz Roglic and Tadej Pogacar.
Bernal gives up
Welcome to the last real mountain finish of the Tour de France 2020. After starting in Grenoble, the professionals first had to conquer the Col de la Madeleine on today's 17th stage and then, for the first time in history, the Col de la Loze. Whoever crossed the finish line in Méribel first after 170,0 kilometers had to be an absolute top climber. The five escapees didn't want to wait until the final climb. Three of them were already active yesterday. To Lennard Kamna (Bora – hansgrohe), Richard Carapaz (Ineos) and Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) got together today Gorka Izagirre (Astana) and Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation). His endeavor to be able to catch up with the leading group had to Daryl Impey (Mitchelton – Scott) finally give up. Who expected that last year's winner Egan Bernal (Ineos) presented again offensively, saw himself deceived. The Colombian didn't even compete in the king's stage.
Green jersey: Bennett extends the lead
Although today the focus was of course on the mountains, the fight for the green jersey also went into the next round. In La Rochette, the leading group secured the most points. Placed out of the field once more Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick Step) and Michael Morkov (Deceuninck – Quick Step). Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe). The Irishman is now 47 points ahead of the Slovak. A clear lead, but this fight is not decided yet. There are still a few points up for grabs, especially on the 19th and 21st stages. If Peter Sagan wants to be handed the green jersey in Paris, he not only has to score well on the local circuit, but above all he has to sprint for victory on the 19th stage - while Sam Bennett should then go away empty-handed.
Bahrain – McLaren takes command
The Col de la Madeleine had to be climbed Lennard Kamna admit that he was at his Stage win the day before but left too much strength. Another hussar ride just a day later he could not lay down. He fell back from the leading group, as he did later in the downhill Dan Martin. The lead of the remaining trio dropped from over 5 minutes to under 2 minutes. The team Bahrain – McLaren was mainly responsible for this. Completely surprisingly, the team in the red and orange jerseys took over the command. So already at the Col de la Madeleine some drivers could no longer follow. Among other things, said goodbye Nairo Quintana (Arkéa – Samsic) out of the top 10 overall. The top trio also fell apart on the final climb. Only Richard Carapaz was able to stay ahead of the group of favorites.
Carapaz defends himself
With the noble helpers bilbao hair and Damian Caruso the Bahrain – McLaren team pushed the pace up the Col de la Loze again. Gradually, other drivers fell behind, including William Martin (Cofidis). Also some helpers from Leader Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) had to give up. But Richard Carapaz was able to maintain a lead of around 30 seconds over several kilometers. 4,0 kilometers from the finish David of the Cross (UAE) for its captain. Suddenly could Mikel Landa (Bahrain – McLaren) for whom his team has been working all day. Also for Rigoberto Urán (EF) it got too fast. Only Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma), Tadej pogacar (UAE), Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana), Richie porte (Trek – Segafredo) and precious helpers Sepp kuss (Jumbo – Visma) were in front together when Richard Carapaz was caught 3,5 kilometers from the finish.
Miguel Angel Lopez is the laughing third
After a further increase in speed Miguel Angel Lopez and Sepp kuss drop. Primois Roglic deliberately left a gap to provoke his competitors. The Colombian knew how to take advantage of this opportunity. Miguel Angel Lopez shook off his companion and drove towards the stage win. Behind them, Sepp Kuss was able to help his captain a little. He succeeded in turn, his compatriot Tadej pogacar to distance. Everyone drove the last 2,0 kilometers towards the finish line in Méribel at an altitude of 2.304 meters. The game of seconds for the stage victory decided Miguel Angel Lopez for himself, taking a big step towards the podium. The Tour win appears to be up for grabs since Tadej pogacar valuable time today Primois Roglic has lost.
🚵🏼♂️ Brutal la subida de hoy.
Etapa para Superman Lopez, @rogla aguanto estoicamente y @TamauPogi perdió algún que other second. @MikelLandaMeana y @EnricMasNicolau, notables.#TDF2020 pic.twitter.com/GgnmTMIhly
— Ʌlf⚈ns⚈ SG 💾 (@crazyalf) September 16, 2020