Fabio is no longer there, but every time it seems like I can hear his voiceThe Col de Portet d'Aspet is now inextricably linked to its name and its history, even when It's the last obstacle to prevent Konrad from winning the stageGaudu and Colbrelli crest the summit just 25 seconds behind him, but it's not enough. The descent that caresses the white stele placed there for Casartelli in this corner of the Pyrenees is made slippery and threatening by the wet and It is precisely in those curves that the Austrian champion built his victoryHe pulls them like a downhill skier. Round lines, the brakes barely touched. And when he lands on the plain, his lead has doubled: 43 secondsKonrad races like a motorcycle and completes his 35-kilometer effort. like Politt on the day of Sagan's withdrawal and how Mollema a couple of stages ago.
Watching you learn
Two professional victories so far. One of those men you read about in the arrival lists, but rarely in front of everyoneBut he's often there. Two third-place finishes in the most challenging Dauphiné stages, a podium at the Tour de Suisse, and two top-ten finishes at the Giro d'Italia.
"This is my first WorldTour victory," he says, emotionally, "and it came in the biggest race in the world. I'm truly speechless. This victory is for my family, my friends, all those who believe in me and also for Bora-Hansgrohe, who never stopped doing itWinning a stage wearing the national champion's jersey makes me really proud. I'd already been in the breakaway three times, always with the intention of waiting for the finale. When Mohoric won, he was gone very early. When Mollema won, he was gone very early, and I finished second behind him. So I said to myself: "If it happens again, I'll do like them.". I tried it and I'm glad it worked."
Colbrelli's Regret
It worked really well. And while he in front was setting his frantic pace, behind the pursuers they were prisoners of the same wait-and-see attitude from which Konrad was the first to shake off this timeThe regret for Colbrelli's tricolor jersey is beginning to become excruciating. Tignes' third place was the result of a makeshift tactic, but this time in the less demanding part of the Pyrenees the plan had come to fruition.. And perhaps seeing him so strong on the climbs might have dissuaded Gaudu from collaborating fully with him once the Col de Portet d'Aspet was finished.
«There was still a long way to go – says Colbrelli – I knew he had an advantage on that route, but he was so far away. I was really surprised that he managed to maintain this lead and finish. We were pushing hard behind him and he didn't lose.He was the strongest. I'm a little pissed off; today was a good chance. That's how it is, though, unfortunately only one wins. Let's look forward."
Jumbo Ambush
Behind the fugitives, the winner and the scorned, the final at the head of the yellow jersey group was a headache, without any apparent sense. On the Côte d'Aspret Sarrat, responding to a Cofidis attack, Wout van Aert placed a Flanders-style sprint that blew the peloton awayWhy? Had they seen someone in trouble?
«It wasn't a premeditated plan – explains Van Aert – they shouted over the radio that a certain number of favourites were far behind in the group. That was the time for us to try to put some pressure on.Especially since there was a crosswind in the last few kilometers. It was definitely worth a try, but in the end it didn't work out.Pogacar isn't that far away, so every second gained is valuable. If the opportunity arises, we'll keep trying."
Pogacar on the alert
The Slovenian of the yellow jersey, he greeted the ambush with a smile, to which all the top-ranked players ultimately responded well.
"I didn't understand what happened," he said smiling. I saw them accelerating and I followed the wheelsThe lesson of the day is that you have to always be focused, even if you go on the plain and it seems like nothing can happenAnd tomorrow will be the toughest stage of the Tour, the queen of the Pyrenees. I've reconnaissance-tested the next two days; I know the climbs. I'm not worried, but I know for sure that these will be two very tough days.».
