Cycling: The 14th stage of the Tour de France is finally here. The first real mountain finish of this tour is on the agenda. Another exciting duel is expected between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Or will there be a third party winner?
Tour de France: Tourmalet & Pla d'Adet
Tomorrow, the 151,9-kilometer 14th stage of the Tour de France from Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan will see another duel between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. The relatively short section includes the Col du Tourmalet, before the riders face the climb Hourquette d'Ancizan The professionals have now arrived in the Pyrenees and thus in the high mountains. The highlight of the stage, however, comes at the end. The Pla d'Adet leads up to the municipality of Saint-Lary-Soulan and will definitely ensure time gaps. It is 10,6 kilometers long and has an 8 percent gradient. Due to the temperatures of the past few days and the mountains that must be mastered beforehand, this should separate the wheat from the chaff.
Velomotion forecast: Will Jonas Vingegaard go for yellow?
Almost all experts have predicted the start of the Tour de France Tadej pogacar in the role of favourite. The Slovenian has the Giro d'Italia under his belt, but was so convincing there that it is hard to imagine him as a loser. In addition, jonas vingegaard had to forego any preparatory races due to his fall. But after the eleventh stage, there is scepticism. The Dane has impressively shown that he is in good shape. But will he make a big attack on the yellow jersey on tomorrow's 14th stage? We think: No! The Visma - Lease a Bike team will save the big attack until week #3. Therefore, Tadej Pogacar will win tomorrow - but without really being able to gain time on his main rival. Behind him, the race is for third place. Remco Evenepoel has after the demise of Primois Roglic best chances to secure a place on the podium. At least tomorrow he should not lose this position.
* * * Tadej pogacar (UAE)
** jonas vingegaard (Visma – Lease a Bike), Remco Evenepoel (Soudal – Quick Step)
* Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Julius Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)