Reflecting on the thrilling Tour de France 2023, a race filled with excitement, passion, and entertainment, we witnessed an intense battle where Tadej Pogacar couldn’t overcome the determination of Jonas Vingegaard.
On the contrary, he saw the gap between them increase to 10 seconds. The climax of the confrontation occurred when Pogacar, in a bold attack, tried to gain a few extra seconds at the top of Col de Joux. However, an unexpected interference came from an event organization motorcycle that blocked his path, forcing him to retreat in the saddle.
If not for the motorcycle’s interference, the narrative could have taken a different turn. Pogacar expressed his disappointment in the situation, acknowledging that it could have altered the outcome of the stage. The UAE Team Emirates led the peloton with a vigorous relay throughout the stage. “I think my first sprint was in vain; it’s a shame,” lamented Pogacar at the end of the race.
“But I don’t believe it would have changed the result,” admits the Slovenian. “I still felt the impact of that wasted effort in my legs, unable to chase the bonuses. I messed it up. But it is what it is,” concluded Pogacar with resignation.
Despite this, Tadej Pogacar crossed the finish line ahead of Jonas Vingegaard in this stage, thus mitigating the day’s losses.