Cycling: Hugo Houle did it! The Canadian won the 16th stage of the Tour de France and was thus able to actually fulfill his big plan. He promised his deceased brother - with whom he always followed the Tour de France - a stage win in the world's largest cycling race.
Houle crowns Israel's strong performance - Premier Tech
The 16th stage of the Tour de France begins Hugo Houle (Israel – Premier Tech). The Canadian won the 178,5-kilometer section from Carcassonne to Foix after the third and last day of rest as a soloist. He was part of a 29-man breakaway group that was already disintegrating at Port de Lers. In the Mur de Péguère, the 31-year-old proved to be the strongest climber. Behind him secured teammate and compatriot Michael Woods the victory of the day in an exemplary manner by always being in the slipstream of the American Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) drove and thus demoralized him. A fall finally made the final decision. In the end, Foix even secured himself at the finish line Valentin Madouas (Groupama – FDJ) took second place. Can cheer again Simon Geschke (Cofidis). The German was also part of the large breakaway group. The Berliner defended the mountain jersey once again with further points.
The top 3 use their relay stations
Even today has Tadej pogacar (UAE) tried everything to save time for the man in yellow. But jonas vingegaard (Jumbo – Visma) remained sovereign both at the Port de Lers and in the Mur de Péguère. The Slovenian attacked on both climbs, but couldn't get rid of his opponent. After climbing the summit, both went back to their relay stations. Tadej Pogacar was allowed to speak out about the support of Brandon McNulty (UAE) rejoiced, while Jonas Vingegaard from the front needed help from wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) received. On too Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) has been serviced. Daniel Martinez (Ineos Grenadiers) was in the leading group for the day and had no chance of winning the stage. So he stopped on the crest and drove his captain, who was actually already distanced, back into the group of favorites on the descent.
A black day for the French
To this day, French fans are still waiting for a stage win by a local rider. Even today it should not work with a day's success. In addition, there was a pitch-black day for the classification drivers from France. As well as david gaudu (Groupama – FDJ), as well Romain Bardet (DSM) could not keep up with the pace of the top riders in the Mur de Péguère. Bardet seems to have stomach problems again. Because of this, he had to give up in fourth place at the Giro d'Italia. Thanks to his teammates and his downhill skills, Gaudu managed to catch up again.
Kämna & Walscheid get out
Even before the start there was bad news for the French. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Ag2r – Citroën) and Mikael Cherel (Ag2r – Citroën) are no longer allowed to take part in the Tour de France due to a positive corona test. It also got it Max Walscheid (Cofidis). Compatriot – and almost stage winner – Lennard Kamna (Bora – hansgrohe) withdrew due to a stubborn cold. denmark Jakob Fuglsang (Israel – Premier Tech) returned home due to the consequences of a fall.
Bora – hansgrohe Twitter channel:
"Due to a persistent cold that started a few days ago and did not improve until yesterday's rest day, Lennard Kämna will unfortunately not start the 16th stage of the Tour de France today."
Max Walscheid on Instagram:
"It's a big disappointment for me. Not making it to Paris is frustrating, but I had no choice.”
Emotional Hugo Houle rondt ontsnapping af en wint de 16e rit in de Tour #TDF2022 pic.twitter.com/yn1KGgibDR
— Sporza (@sporza_koers) July 19, 2022