Why did Tadej Pogacar make his Team Ride FULL GAS? Tour de France 2023 Stage 13 with Lanterne Rouge
Video Why did Tadej Pogacar make his Team Ride FULL GAS? Tour de France 2023 Stage 13 with Lanterne Rouge
Video Why did Tadej Pogacar make his Team Ride FULL GAS? Tour de France 2023 Stage 13 with Lanterne Rouge YouTube Channel.
Why did Tadej Pogacar make his Team Ride FULL GAS? Tour de France 2023 Stage 13
The Lanterne Rouge: UAE’s Quest for Stage Win at Grand Colombia
The excitement was palpable as the UAE Team Emirates set their sights on the first of five consecutive GC stages on offer at the Grand Colombia. The stage was a mountaintop finish at Brown Colombia, presenting a challenging 17-kilometer ascent at an average incline of seven percent. The team had previously showcased their prowess at the Tour de France in 2020, but this stage posed a tougher challenge with no significant climbs preceding the main ascent.
Establishing the Breakaway
As the race unfolded, it was evident that the key to success for the teams lay in forming a strategic breakaway. The FDJ (French fries) team, particularly on Bastille Day, was keen on being part of the breakaway. However, it was clear that UAE’s Atar Pagacha was determined to marshal the troops and monitor the riders entering the breakaway to ensure that it was manageable and catchable.
As expected, numerous teams vied for positions in the breakaway, resulting in a sizeable group of 20 strong riders representing various teams, such as InterMarche, EFS, and UAE. With UAE’s Lang, Trenton, and Bjerg demonstrating impressive teamwork to keep the gap stable, it became apparent that the stage was set for an intense battle on the ascent.
The Breakaway’s Strategy
The breakaway group, consisting of strong riders like Casebolt, Sturven, Betiolo, Latour, Zimm, Valhills, Oliveira, Ternison, Wright, Morich, and others, demonstrated a strategic approach as they navigated the race. Their collaboration and tactical maneuvers allowed them to increase the gap, prompting the UAE Team Emirates to initiate a chase. Despite their concerted efforts, the gap continued to widen, presenting a challenging scenario for the UAE team.
Onto the Grand Colombia
As the race progressed, the teams encountered the daunting Grand Colombia climb. The undulating terrain and a series of consecutive mild ascents challenged the riders, with UAE’s Pagacha leading the pace for a significant portion of the climb. The gap remained relatively stable, and the climbers in the breakaway group, including Hills, Shaw, and Van Hills, demonstrated their prowess on the ascent.
A Battle of Climbers
The climb witnessed a display of exceptional climbing skills by riders like Fiatkovski, who showcased remarkable strength and stamina. UAE’s Solaire and Kriakowski engaged in a battle, with the former struggling to gain significant ground against the relentless pace set by the climbers. Kriakowski’s solo performance further solidified his dominance on the ascent, leaving the chase group with a daunting task.
Strategic Moves and Splitting of the GC Group
Amidst the intense battle on the climb, strategic moves by riders like Adam Yates and Sepulveda led to a division within the GC group. Pagacha’s attempt to bridge across and capitalize on the bonus seconds intensified the competition as the race approached its climax. While Kriakowski sealed his stage win with an awe-inspiring solo ride, the chase group witnessed a flurry of attacks and tactical maneuvers, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
A Glimpse of Pagacha’s Brilliance
In the closing stages of the climb, Pagacha’s explosive attack reflected his determination to secure vital bonus seconds. His relentless pursuit of James Shaw showcased his ability to leverage his explosivity and tactical acumen to gain an eight-second advantage, significantly narrowing the gap on the overall standings. Despite a valiant effort, Pagacha’s pursuit fell short, leaving him with a newfound sense of optimism and determination as the race entered a critical phase.
The Aftermath and Looking Ahead
With Kriakowski’s decisive victory and the GC group witnessing significant shake-ups, the stage set the tone for a thrilling matchup in the subsequent stages. Pagacha’s steady gains on Winger Guard hinted at an intriguing battle for supremacy, elevating the anticipation for the upcoming mountain stage down to Mulsine.
In Conclusion
The stage at the Grand Colombia unravelled a captivating narrative of grit, strategy, and climactic battles, underscoring the enduring allure of professional cycling. As the teams regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead, the unfolding drama promises to captivate cycling enthusiasts and fans worldwide, amplifying the anticipation for the gripping showdowns yet to come.
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