Cycling: Ineos was still successful on the 18th stage of the Tour de France. While Richard Carapaz was able to conquer the mountain jersey, Michal Kwiatkowski celebrates the day's victory. The day was bitter for Marc Hirschi. The Swiss seemed to be the strongest rider in the leading group and was close to taking the mountain jersey before falling on a descent.
Greipel has to give up
Today's 18th stage of the Tour de France. The last mountainous section - apart from the time trial on Saturday - offered both the breakaways and the class riders a good opportunity for attacks. After the start in Méribel, the pros were initially allowed to roll downhill for a 20-kilometer introductory phase. Then the large and well-manned leading group of the day formed, in which, as expected, the green jersey was also sprinted. At the intermediate sprint in Aime Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick Step). Matteo Trentin (CCC) and Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe) prevail. The Irish champion now leads the triple world champion with 54 points. Unfortunately had to get off today André Greipel (Israel Start Up Nation). In what was probably his last Tour de France, he was never really able to play a decisive role in the fight for victory on the day.
Hirschi collects mountain points and falls
Due to numerous attacks from the main field and different driver qualities, the composition of the leading group changed constantly. The climb up the Cormet de Roselend was particularly impressive Damian Caruso (Bahrain-McLaren). The Italian closed a 2-minute gap alone. As 12th overall he was obviously a threat to some top 10 contenders. However, he was not one of the top five breakaways afterwards. Because after the Côte de la route des Villes could Marc Hirschi (Sunweb), Richard Carapaz (Ineos) Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos) bilbao hair (Bahrain – McLaren) and Nicholas Edett (Cofidis) detach from their companions. The points in the first three mountain classifications were secured in each case Marc Hirschi off Richard Carapaz, who both registered their interest in the dotted jersey. On the descent from the Col des Saisies, the Swiss – who was well on the way to conquering the mountain jersey – fell and lost contact with his companions.
Kwiatkowski ahead of Carapaz: Ineos with double victory
Meanwhile, the Jumbo – Visma team kept the escapees on a long leash. Between the front and the peloton there was a larger group of pursuers around 70 kilometers from the finish line. However, this did not come any closer, and even tended to lose some time. Also Marc Hirschi couldn't get closer while Nicholas Edett and bilbao hair up front could no longer follow the pace of the Ineos duo. Thus secured Richard Carapaz at the Col des Aravis and at the Montée du plateau des Glières also thanks to his noble helper Michal Kwiatkowski the maximum number of points and thus also the mountain jersey. The Ineos duo drove together over the gravel road and then towards La Roche-sur-Foron. Arriving at the finish area, both crossed the line arm in arm. Since Michal Kwiatkowski was a few millimeters ahead, the stage win is credited to the Pole.
Uran & Yates lose a lot of time
The group of favorites also got down to business on the Montée du plateau des Glières. Mikel Landa (Bahrain – McLaren) attacked and used team-mates to do so Damian Caruso (Bahrain – McLaren) as a relay station. The two didn't really get away, but rows of top 10 contenders dropped behind them. Among other things, they were no longer able to follow William Martin (Cofidis), Rigoberto Urán (EF), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott). Just before the summit went Tadej pogacar (UAE) went on the offensive and got the win Mikel Landa return. Bad luck once more Richie porte (Trek – Segafredo). The Australian suffered a puncture on the gravel road, had to change his wheel and lost contact with the competition. But on the flat he was able to catch up again. There should be no further attacks among the favorites. So the decision about the final podium place was postponed to the time trial on Saturday. Then Richie porte lies behind Miguel Angel Lopez not too far back.
🚵♂️ | Michał Kwiatkowski 🇵🇱 wins the 'sprint' of zijn ploeggenoot Richard Carapaz 🇪🇨 in a pact of the eighth stage of the #Tour de France ????#TDF2020 pic.twitter.com/RZdancdJfT
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