Wout van Aert Secures Stage 8 Victory in Tour de France
The Battle between Van Aert and Pogacar
In a thrilling uphill sprint finish, Wout van Aert from Jumbo-Visma emerged victorious in Stage 8 of the 2022 Tour de France held in Lausanne. This win marks Van Aert’s second stage victory in this year’s Tour de France and his eighth career stage win overall. Notably, Van Aert’s triumph prevented Tadej Pogacar, the defending champion from UAE Team Emirates, from securing his third consecutive stage win. Pogacar had to settle for third place behind Australia’s Michael Matthews from BikeExchange-Jayco.
Racing through the Swiss Alps
Stage 8 took the peloton to the challenging terrain of the Swiss Alps, providing a taste of the upcoming mountain stages. The stage commenced in Dole and covered a 186.3 km route to Lausanne, which is renowned as the home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Along the way, riders faced two Category 3 and two Category 4 climbs, including the final ascent at Cote du Stade Olympique. Despite an early crash that affected the majority of the peloton, Pogacar managed to recover and it did not hinder his ultimate finish.
The Final Kilometer Showdown
As the riders approached the final kilometer, Van Aert, wearing the green jersey, closely trailed Pogacar, sporting the yellow jersey. Matthews, however, remained within striking distance, setting the stage for an intense sprint to the finish line. In a burst of speed, Van Aert overtook Pogacar in the closing meters, securing another impressive victory. Matthews attempted to make a move with 150 meters to go, but Van Aert’s exceptional performance allowed him to catch up and Matthews had to settle for second place once again. Despite the slight disappointment, Pogacar acknowledged the remarkable abilities of both Van Aert and Matthews, recognizing their strength in these demanding finishes.
Preview of Stage 9: A Struggle in the Alps
Aigle to Chatel Les Portes du Soleil
Stage 9 of the Tour de France presents a formidable challenge for the riders as they embark on a 193 km route from Aigle to Chatel Les Portes du Soleil. This mountain stage features four categorized climbs, including two Category 1 ascents and one Category 2. One notable climb, the Cole de Mosses, awaits the peloton halfway through the stage, offering a 13.4 km ascent with a 4.1% grade. The first Category 1 climb, Col de la Croix, poses an 8.1 km ascent with a 7.6% grade. Finally, the peloton will face the Pas de Margins, a 15.4 km ascent with a 6.1% grade, leading to the summit finish at Chatel.
The Battle of Climbers
With the challenging mountainous terrain, Stage 9 is expected to showcase the prowess of the climbers. Many wonder if this will be the moment when Jonas Vingegaard claims a stage win, narrowing the gap between him and Pogacar. Alternatively, Pogacar may further extend his lead by securing another stage victory, as he has done in three of the last four stages. Another possibility is a solo victory by a rider from a breakaway group, making the stage all the more exciting.
Contenders and Betting Odds
Pogacar remains the frontrunner to win the 2022 Tour de France, with odds of -300. Vingegaard is seen as his closest competitor, with odds of +275. Geraint Thomas, the 2018 champion, is currently listed at +2500 to win the overall race. It is worth keeping an eye on Lennard Kamma from Bora-Hansgrohe, who is favored to win in a breakaway with odds of +750. Patrick Konrad, Kamma’s teammate, and Bob Jungles from AG2R Citroen are also set as potential challengers with their odds at +2800 and +5000, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many stage victories does Wout van Aert have in the Tour de France?
Wout van Aert has secured eight stage victories in the Tour de France throughout his career.
2. Who finished second in Stage 8 of the 2022 Tour de France?
In Stage 8, Australia’s Michael Matthews from BikeExchange-Jayco finished in second place.
3. How did Pogacar react to the early crash during Stage 8?
Pogacar brushed off the effects of the early crash, describing it as the “softest crash” he has ever experienced.
4. Which stage of the Tour de France is known for its challenging mountainous terrain?
Stage 9, taking the riders from Aigle to Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, is renowned for its difficult mountainous terrain.
5. Who is the current leader in the overall general classification standings?
Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates holds the top position in the overall general classification standings.
