Step by step, keep cutting Tadej Pogacar the difference with Jonas Vingegaard. Of the 53 seconds that separated him after the fifth stage, when the Dane brought out his best version in Laruns and left the Slovenian nailed, at the current nine seconds between them. Pogacar’s inertia was good from the Pyrenees and in the Jura he proved to be the same. This weekend, another fight in the Alps.
In a 400 meter sprint at the Grand Colombier lHe was able to cut eight seconds: four of a difference with his rival and another four for a bonus at the end of the stage in third position. “The day was a success as we were able to shave a few seconds off the overall. The Tour de France is very long and we are very well placed. We take the race day by day, looking for opportunities to gain seconds like we did this time. It was a great performance by the whole team. We all have reasons to boost our confidence and motivation”, said Tadej, who did not regret not being able to fight for the stage.
“Despite not being able to win, it was indeed a victory in the fight for the yellow jersey.” The sensations were similar for Matxin, general manager of the UAE: “The idea was to fight for the stage, surprise in the final rag with Adam Yates (who attacked), but the leak was very strong. I wouldn’t say we lacked anything.” His great rival, Jonas Vingegard, who kept the yellow jersey, did not want to give much importance to this loss of time either: “I trust in myself. It will always be so. I will give my best this weekend, I feel good”.
He also spoke about the rivalry with Pogacar, whom he even praised: “This rivalry that we have is very nice. Tadej is one of the best in the world, if not the best. He is a great opponent and it will be a very difficult fight until Paris. I’ll do my best”. In the Jumbo they were aware that the UAE was hardening the final climb, something that the yellow jersey had controlled: “It was a stage that did not suit me at all as it was a single port. Tadej is a more explosive cyclist than me. We keep the jersey”.