Arensman wins stage 19 as Pogacar retains Yellow Jersey
In a thrilling showdown on the last mountain stage of the Tour de France, Thymen Arensman of the Netherlands emerged victorious in Stage 19, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar retained his coveted yellow jersey. Roglic droppe to 8th overall while Lipowitz hung onto 3rd place and took back time on Onley.
The race, known for its grueling climbs and fierce competition, saw Arensman secure his second victory in this year's edition, further solidifying his place among the elite cyclists of the event.
Arensman, riding for Ineos Grenadiers, executed a brilliant strategy during the final climb to La Plagne, breaking away from the pack to finish just two seconds ahead of fellow competitors Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, who crossed the line in second and third place, respectively. The victory marks a significant achievement for Arensman, especially amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding his team's past performance and doping allegations.
Despite the fierce competition, Pogacar, the Slovenian powerhouse, maintained a commanding lead in the overall standings, with an impressive 4:24 advantage over Vingegaard as the race heads into its final two stages. As the defending champion eyes a potential fourth title, he remains focused on avoiding any major incidents that could jeopardize his lead.
The day’s action unfolded dramatically as a leading trio, including France's Lenny Martinez and Valentin Paret Peintre along with former Tour runner-up Primoz Roglic, initially gained a small lead after a grueling 12.2-km ascent at 7.7%. However, Pogacar's UAE Emirates-XRG team expertly controlled the peloton, keeping the gap to less than a minute.
As the race progressed towards the Cormet de Roselend climb, the dynamics shifted, with Roglic making a solo break in the descent into Bourg Saint Maurice. However, his efforts were short-lived as he was quickly caught by the peloton, setting the stage for an intense final climb.
With 14.5 kilometers remaining, Austrian Felix Gall made a decisive move, prompting a swift response from Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Arensman. Pogacar, known for his tactical prowess, allowed Arensman to surge ahead while strategically maintaining a strong pace to keep the Dutch rider within reach. Ultimately, Pogacar opted not to contest for a fifth stage victory, showcasing his focus on the overall title rather than individual accolades.
As the Tour de France approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Pogacar as he seeks to defend his title against a determined field of challengers. With the final stages promising to deliver more excitement and drama, cycling fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the outcome of this iconic race.