Cycling: Sepp Kuss is the name of the winner of the 15th stage of the Tour de France. The American was part of a 32-man breakaway group that was at least partially able to save itself from the favorites to the finish. In the last climb, the noble helper left all his companions and drove towards his sovereign stage victory. The top favorites for the podium in Paris largely neutralized each other. Only Guillaume Martin lost a lot of time.
Sepp Kuss deservedly wins in Andorra
It almost worked out with a stage win for the now 41-year-old Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). But the Spaniard had to face the American on the last climb of the day Sepp kuss (Jumbo – Visma) defeated. In the final descent, too, Primoz Roglic couldn't catch the actual precious helper. Despite an eventful 191,3 kilometers from Céret to Andorra la Vella, not much happened among the top favorites in the overall standings. Tadej pogacar (UAE) was able to defend all attacks with ease. The day should be bitter for William Martin (Cofidis) become. The Frenchman – second overall before the start – lost several minutes and with it all hopes of a place on the podium.
Pöstlberger among the 32 escapees
As expected, many teams were interested in sending riders into the breakaway today. 32 outliers, including Lukas Postlberger (Bora – hansgrohe) were finally able to break away from the peloton. However, the Austrian was the only professional on his team. Other teams, on the other hand, have sent several drivers on the offensive. Jumbo - Visma, for example, was represented by three, as well as Bahrain - Victorious, Trek - Segafredo and Groupama - FDJ. The last-named team drove particularly aggressively because they were with the Frenchman david gaudu who was probably the strongest climber in the escape group on paper.
Poels wins the fight for the mountain jersey
With five mountain classifications today, it was of course not only about the day's victory and seconds for the overall classification, but also valuable points for the mountain jersey. In the breakaway group of the day, three pros fought each other. Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation), wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) and Wout poels (Bahrain – Victorious) delivered a thrilling uphill sprint with every point lost. The winner in this category was the latter named this afternoon. Wout Poels can wear the polka dot jersey again tomorrow.
Valverde chases Sepp Kuss in vain
However, the three mountain point hunters were not able to play a decisive role in the fight for the stage victory. Much to the disappointment of the French team Groupama - FDJ was too david gaudu not strong enough. Dissolved in the final climb Sepp kuss (Jumbo – Visma), who didn't have to work in the breakaway all day. Chased downhill after him Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). The Spanish ex-world champion came close to him, but was unable to catch up with the American. The team Jumbo - Visma celebrates the next stage win even without Primoz Roglic, who has already been eliminated.
Ineos Grenadiers isolated Pogacar
The British team Ineos Grenadiers pursued an excellent team strategy today. With Jonathan Castroviejo and Dylan VanBaarle two helpers were placed in the breakaway group. These then had to meet their captain shortly before the penultimate departure Richard Carapaz wait. The Ecuadorian thus got next Richie porte and Geraint Thomas two other supporters. Ineos Grenadiers finally managed to Tadej pogacar (UAE) to isolate in the penultimate climb.
The favorites neutralize each other
Although Tadej pogacar (UAE) was isolated from his teammates, he was able to fend off all attacks with ease on the final climb. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) also went on the offensive several times, like jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) and Rigoberto Urán (EF-Nippo). In the end, however, everyone crossed the summit together and raced down the descent to the finish line together. From the top 10 should only William Martin (Cofidis) and Mattia Cattaneo (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) missing. The Frenchman and the Italian lost touch in the penultimate climb. On the descent they then tried to close the initially small gap. But the Ineos Grenadiers team was too strong and the gap grew bigger and bigger.
Stage for Sepp Kuss. pic.twitter.com/lsv7A5fpy7
— 🕳️ Giorgio (@JeSuisFander) July 11, 2021