Kilometer 152
The road announced the mountain. Two banners with red dots indicated to the runners that the climb began. 15 kilometers of strength, concentration, strategy, and excitement.
The group that chased two escaped runners showed that the four favorites were going to fight in the final stretch. The Movistar went with four riders accompanying Nairo Quintana, also the Sky and the Tinokff took care of their leaders.
The Dutchman Robert Gesink had a few seconds of glory when he tried to attack, but he was caught by the group in which Nairo, Froome, and Contador were. At that moment, Vincenzo Nibali and Rigoberto Urán had already been left behind. The heat and fatigue took their toll and left them behind.
The same happened kilometers ahead with Alberto Contador and Van Garderen. The victims of the first Pyrenean climb appeared in the midst of the crowd that cheered. But another battle was being fought ahead. Nairo vs. Froome.
At four kilometers, the British rider decided to launch the attack. His legs were stronger than those of the Colombian and he got away. Quintana's attempts were unsuccessful, the intense sun and the dry environment were not his best allies and he lost a minute compared to Froome, who is more of a leader than ever. He even asked people to refresh him with some water.
One kilometer from the finish line, Richie Porte passed Nairo. He arrived in third place in the stage with the last remnants of the power he managed to maintain until the last meter. He is now also third in the general classification and the new leader of the youth category.
The machine called Chris Froome seems to have sealed the competition. He finished with a difference of 3:09 with respect to the Colombian. In a stage where an attack from him was not expected, he surprised and showed that he is in better form than the rest.
Now, we wait to see if this superhuman effort will not take its toll on the Sky rider later on, as there are still two more stages in the Pyrenees and the Alps are coming. There is still a long way to go.
This is how the favorites are positioned in the general classification after the tenth stage:
- Christopher Froome
- Tajey Van Garderen at 2:52
- Nairo Quintana at 3:09
- Alejandro Valverde at 4:01
- Alberto Contador at 4:04
- Vincenzo Nibali at 6:57
- Rigo Urán at 7:22