Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) revealed he was knocked off his bike by a photographer at the summit of Mont Ventoux after finishing Stage 16 of the Tour de France.
Pogacar even managed to extend his overall lead by two seconds after yet another explosive finish, but Vingegaard seemed more frustrated by a rogue agent who wiped him out once the day’s racing was done.
“Some photographer just ran straight in front of me straight after the finish line,” he said.
“I don’t know what he was doing. I went down. I think people in the finish area should use their eyes a bit more.”
Visma had two riders up the road, plus a solid presence in the main peloton, as they tried to apply pressure on Pogacar.
‘I don’t know what he was doing’ – Vingegaard taken out after Ventoux battle
Video credit: TNT Sports
Wout van Aert and Simon Yates cranked up the pace from the foot of Ventoux, allowing Vingegaard to launch his first attack. A rare grimace from Pogacar hinted at discomfort, but the Slovenian stayed seated and stayed close. Still, he was suddenly alone.
Tiesj Benoot dropped back from the break to take over pacing duties, teeing up a second dig from Vingegaard. Then came Victor Campenaerts, who helped launch a third move from the Dane. Each time, Pogacar held firm.
“It’s superglue on the back wheel, Pogacar is going nowhere,” cried Rob Hatch on TNT Sports commentary.”
“This is where all the cards have been laid out on the table. For now, Vingegaard has no aces.”
Then it was the yellow jersey’s turn. With 1500 metres remaining, Pogacar danced clear, forcing Vingegaard to respond, before he threw a counter-attack of his own.
Although Pogacar gained time on the line, extending his advantage to 4’15″ in the general classification, Vingegaard was buoyed after his strong showing on the iconic climb.
‘Superglue!’ – Vingegaard attacks three times, Pogacar responds in thrilling Mont Ventoux battle
Video credit: TNT Sports
“I was feeling very good today. Happy with the feeling today and happy with the attacks I tried. Of course, I didn’t gain any time, but I take a lot of motivation from today,” said Vingegaard.
“We wanted to have someone in the break. The team did really amazing today. Everyone worked with everything they had. There was commitment and everyone did super great, so thank you to all my team-mates.
“He followed me every time I attacked, and I followed him when he attacked. I don’t know if I could see any weaknesses, but it gives me some motivation and I will keep trying.”
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