Tour de France. Stage 13. Fabio Aru holds yellow jersey after second day in Pyrenees
After 13th stage of the Tour de France, Astana rider Fabio Aru still holds the yellow jersey of the leader of the general classification. Today’s stage from Saint-Girons to Foix became the second stage in the Pyrenees. The distance of 101 km has included three 1st category climbs- We expected, that the stage will be very hard and exhausting. There were a lot of attacks, especially, on the last downhill. But, I tried to keep my concentration and act with a cool head and without too much stress. Finally, it worked well and it is another day in the yellow jersey for me. I try to take my leaderships calmly. There is a long way to Paris, we have to pass through many tough stages. Tomorrow is another day and another stage, which will request all our forces. So, we will keep on fighting, - said Fabio Aru.
At the first climb of the day Col de Latrape two strong riders, Alberto Contador and Mikel Landa went in a breakaway. A group with Nairo Quintana, Michal Kwiatkowski and Warren Barguil began to chase the leaders, while the yellow jersey group of Fabio Aru stayed behind them.
At the last climb Mur de Péguère and on the downhill there were a number of attacks from the yellow jersey group, but every time Fabio Aru was able to follow it. Finally, almost all GC contenders came together to the finish line in Foix, while Fabio Aru (9th place at the stage) conserved his overall lead.
The polka dot jersey Warren Bargiul won today’s stage ahead of Nairo Quintana and Alberto Contador.
Unfortunately, due to his injury, Jakob Fuglsang was forced to quit the race.
- I did all I could, but all left part of my body just did not want to work. I had no power to stay in the group. Right from the start the speed of the peloton was very high, so I had to continue following my own rhythm. But before the last climb I’ve realized, it is just too much for me, I had to give up. It is not easy at all to leave the Tour de France and my team, but there is nothing to do. The main goal for me now is to get a full recovery, - explained Jakob Fuglsang.
The situation in the general classification of the Tour de France after stage 13: Fabio Aru leads, Chris Froome is second, +0.06, Warren Bargiul is third, +0.25.
Stage 14 will be held tomorrow: 181,5 km from Blagnac to Rodez.
Photo credit: © Bettiniphoto;
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