French rider Pinot makes his move in 15th stage of Tour
FOIX, FRANCE >> When one French rider starts to fade, another comes to the fore. One way or the other, France may still be on course for its first Tour de France winner since 1985.
Dancing over his saddle, his mouth wide open and gasping for air, Thibaut Pinot launched a ferocious attack Sunday and profited from the first signs of weakness in the high mountains from French race leader Julian Alaphilippe to edge closer to the yellow jersey in the overall standings.
Ascending the last uphill finish in the Pyrenees with a display of power and fluidity that signaled that he’ll also be a major contender to win the Tour, Pinot gained time on all his rivals for the second consecutive day following his triumph at the famed Tourmalet mountain in the previous stage.
Heading to the second and final rest day today ahead of what promises to be a climactic final week in the Alps, the race is exquisitely poised.
Six riders are all within 2 minutes, 14 seconds of each other at the top of the standings.
The six terrible ascents above 6,500 feet in the Alps, peppered over three mountain stages, will likely decide who will stand on top of the podium on the Champs-Elysees next Sunday.
“The high mountains have only just begun,” said Alaphilippe. “The Alps are going to be a big mouthful.”
Surging from the mist and rain, Pinot crossed the finish line of Sunday’s Stage 15 in second place, 33 seconds behind Simon Yates, who posted a second stage win after a long solo raid, three days after his first stage victory in the southwestern mountain range.
The 29-year-old Pinot was irresistible when he made his move seven kilometers from the summit. Only Emanuel Buchmann and defending champion Geraint Thomas’ teammate Egan Bernal could follow. But Pinot accelerated again about 2 kilometers later to drop them for good.
Pinot moved to fourth place overall, 1 minute, 50 seconds behind Alaphilippe.