Jonas Vingegaard Takes Tour de France Stage 11 Victory and Yellow Jersey
Introduction
In an electrifying turn of events, Jonas Vingegaard from Team Jumbo-Visma claimed his first-ever stage victory in the Tour de France, simultaneously snatching the coveted yellow jersey from defending champion Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates. This thrilling moment unfolded during Stage 11 on the challenging Col du Granon ascent in the French Alps. The scorching heat and punishing climb caused Pogacar to falter, finishing the stage in seventh place and relinquishing his position as the overall leader, now trailing Vingegaard by 2 minutes and 22 seconds.
Unprecedented Drama on the Alpine Stage
Stage 11 was highly anticipated as the first true alpine stage of the 2022 Tour de France, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests within UAE Team Emirates, Pogacar was left to defend his yellow jersey alone after securing it with a victory in Stage 6 at Longwy.
The stage commenced in the former Olympic village of Albertville and featured two incredibly challenging climbs: Col du Galibier and the formidable Col du Granon. These Herculean ascents spanned 11.3 kilometers with a formidable gradient of 9.2%. It had been over 25 years since the peloton last faced the daunting Col du Granon, as race organizers deemed it too treacherous for the route. However, this year, riders would tackle the formidable challenge once more.
Stage 11 Results
The stage witnessed a strong show of force from Team Jumbo-Visma, launching attacks on Pogacar from a distance of 60 kilometers. However, despite their efforts, the breakaway group remained 5 minutes and 30 seconds ahead of the chasing pack. Pogacar valiantly defended himself from the relentless assaults, but the immense energy expenditure took its toll on the ascent of Granon.
Vingegaard himself praised his teammate Primoz Roglic, emphasizing his instrumental role in the team’s strategy. With less than 5 kilometers left to the finish line, Vingegaard made his decisive move, stunning everyone, including Geraint Thomas from Ineos, who took the opportunity to follow Vingegaard while leaving Pogacar behind. Both riders repeatedly looked back in disbelief as Pogacar struggled to keep up.
As Vingegaard powered toward the summit finish, he appeared to grow stronger with each pedal stroke. In a remarkable display of strength and determination, he gradually caught up to Nairo Quintana of Arkea-Samsic, ultimately seizing his well-deserved stage victory on this grueling day of the tour. Reflecting on his triumph, Vingegaard confessed to both deriving motivation from the increasing gap between him and his competitors and enduring considerable suffering during the brutal climb.
Pogacar finished the stage 2 minutes and 51 seconds after Vingegaard, trailing behind Quintana, Romain Bardet of DSM, Thomas, David Gaudu of Groupama-FDJ, and Adam Yates of Ineos. Although disappointed with his performance, Pogacar expressed hope for improvement in the following stages.
Preview of Stage 12: Briancon to Alpe D’Huez
Stage 12 presents another daunting challenge for the riders with a 165-kilometer journey from Briancon to Alpe D’Huez. The route features three punishing climbs, including Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and the infamous Alpe D’Huez. Known for its treacherous ascent of narrow, winding roads and switchbacks, Alpe D’Huez stands as one of the most iconic climbs in the tour.
If the fireworks from Stage 11 were impressive, Stage 12 promises even more excitement at Alpe D’Huez. On Bastille Day, spectators can expect French riders like Bardet, Gaudu, or Thibout Pinot to endeavor to secure victory for their home nation. Meanwhile, Vingegaard faces a formidable challenge on his debut day in the yellow jersey, as Pogacar strives to make up the 2 minutes and 22 seconds separating them.
Current General Classification Standings
Following his remarkable triumph in Stage 11, Vingegaard now leads the overall General Classification and holds a 2 minutes and 16 seconds advantage over Bardet in second place. Pogacar’s setback pushes him down to third, trailing Vingegaard by 2 minutes and 22 seconds. Geraint Thomas from Ineos Grenadiers remains in fourth place, positioned 2 minutes and 26 seconds behind the leader. Quintana secured a second-place finish in Stage 11, elevating him to fifth place in the General Classification with a gap of 2 minutes and 37 seconds.
Vingegaard has emerged as the new favorite to win the 2022 Tour de France, with odds set at -330. Pogacar follows closely as the second favorite with +300 odds at DraftKings. Thomas and Bardet both carry +2000 odds.
Conclusion
Stage 11 of the Tour de France delivered a rollercoaster of excitement as Jonas Vingegaard claimed his first-ever stage victory and surged into the yellow jersey, dethroning Tadej Pogacar. The grueling Col du Granon ascent proved to be a true test of strength and endurance, with Pogacar succumbing to the challenges of the day. As the tour progresses, the spotlight now shifts to Stage 12, where riders face daunting climbs and intense competition. Fans can eagerly anticipate more mesmerizing moments as the race for the yellow jersey intensifies.
FAQs
1. How did Jonas Vingegaard secure his first stage victory in the Tour de France?
Vingegaard’s momentous stage victory came during Stage 11 on the challenging Col du Granon ascent. Employing a strategic attack under 5 kilometers from the finish line, he displayed exceptional strength and determination, catching up to his closest competitors and ultimately claiming the victory.
2. What happened to Tadej Pogacar during Stage 11?
Pogacar, the reigning champion and overall leader, struggled on the punishing climb of Col du Granon. The scorching heat and steep gradients took a toll on him, leading to his seventh-place finish in the stage. Consequently, Pogacar lost the yellow jersey to Jonas Vingegaard.
3. What can we expect from Stage 12 of the Tour de France?
Stage 12 poses another formidable challenge for the riders, with three punishing climbs, including the world-renowned Alpe D’Huez. As the peloton tackles this iconic climb on Bastille Day, French riders such as Bardet, Gaudu, or Pinot may be poised to make a bid for victory. Meanwhile, Vingegaard will face the test of defending his yellow jersey while Pogacar seeks to make up lost time.
4. How do the General Classification standings look after Stage 11?
Jonas Vingegaard catapulted into the overall lead after his stage victory, holding a 2 minutes and 16 seconds advantage over Romain Bardet in second place. Tadej Pogacar dropped to third place, trailing Vingegaard by 2 minutes and 22 seconds. Geraint Thomas sits in fourth place, 2 minutes and 26 seconds behind the leader, while Nairo Quintana secured fifth place with a gap of 2 minutes and 37 seconds.
5. Who are the favorites to win the 2022 Tour de France?
Following his impressive performance, Jonas Vingegaard emerged as the favorite with -330 odds. Tadej Pogacar closely trails behind with +300 odds, while Geraint Thomas and Romain Bardet carry +2000 odds each. As the intense competition continues, these odds may fluctuate based on the riders’ performances in the upcoming stages.
