Race on Col du Glandon
Today’s 204.5 km long 19 stage from Bourg d’Oisans to Le Grand-Bornand was a showdown with climbs on the Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, Col de Tamié, Col de l’Epine and Col de la Croix Fry. A quarter of the field embarked on a long voyage from the first climb above category Col du Glandon. Ryder Hesjedal went solo at the base of the next climb above category Col de La Madeleine, but was soon joined by Pierre Rolland (Europcar).
Hesejdal and Izaguirre in break on Col du Glandon
Team Sky and controlled the pace without being pressured to collect the escapees, none of which threatened the yellow jersey. Groups of riders rushed to close the gap back to the peloton on the descent to prevent getting outside the time limit. At the front the duo continued to work well while the chase group was trimmed down on the climbs.
At the foot of the final climb rain started pouring down and soaked the riders and made the road slippery. That did not prevent Rui Costa (Movistar) jump from the chase group up to Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and continued his wild ride past the Europcar rider. Michael Rogers unyielding in front, put pressure on the group, which was stretched out completely. Towards the top Rogers gave the baton to teammate Roman Kreuziger, who increased the pace further. Soon after the attack Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alberto Contador were on the spot immediately, and they had Chris Froome (Sky), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and John Gadret (ALM) as they dove into the descent on the way to the finish line.
Andreas Kloden finish in Grand Bornand
Rui Costa (Movistar) snatched another dazzling stage win.
“It was another tough and demanding day for all riders and all are more less exhausted two days before the entrance to Paris. Today we tried to keep the pressure on the field in the second half of the stage, and I think everyone on the team did a solid job in their field. Alberto responded well again on Rodriguez’s attack in the end, and it’s definitely a good sign before tomorrow’s finale. We are fully aware that other teams are also interested in the team competition, but what tactics will be tomorrow’s hard to say right now. At this point of course everything depends on the legs of the day, and where they take us, we get to see tomorrow. One thing is certain. We have struggled throughout the race for the win, and we will not stop now, “said Saxo-Tinkoff’s sports director, Philippe Mauduit
Costa won his second stage of this year’s Tour
