“Tadej is OK! Visibly relieved, the sports director of UAE Emirates, Andrej Hauptman, gave reassuring news from his leader. Tadej Pogacar, double title holder in the Tour de France, indeed arrived about 3 minutes after the peloton, settled in the sprint by Fabio Jakobsen (Quick Step).
The Slovenian champion was delayed by a fall that took place in front of him. As it took place 2.5 km from the finish, it could be classified in the winner’s time, because the times are neutralized in the last three kilometers in the event of a sprint finish. He therefore does not lose ground against the other favorites of the Tour.
“For me everything is fine, I did not fall, reassured Pogacar, current 3rd in the general classification at 8″ from the yellow jersey Wout van Aert, and wearer of the white jersey of best young person. It fell in front of me, I stayed on my bike and clung to the barrier, it hit my fist and my ankle, but everything is OK. I hope that all the guys who fell are doing well and that they can start again tomorrow”.
“It fell in front of Tadej 2.5 km from the finish, there must have been around thirty runners on the ground in front of him, says Mauro Gianetti, manager of UAE Emirates. He must have run over something because he punctured both wheels. But he was able to finish, he doesn’t complain of any pain, and he was smiling at the finish, it’s fine! »
The relief was visible in any case within the Slovenian team. “Today’s stage scared everyone,” breathes Gianetti. It was not just a normal stage with wind. There were falls on the bridge, fortunately the runners were able to hold on to the barrier. I hope everyone is doing well. »