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You had to have nerves of steel this Sunday when following this 9th stage, the second and last one in the Pyrenees. Why? Because of the lack of visibility, the temperature - stuck at less than 15°C, and above all the unbearable rhythm of the race.
Guillaume Martin, always keeping up with the tempo
After multiple breakaway attempts and Marc Hirschi's solo take off, the Jumbo-Visma imposed their pace on the ascent of the Col de Marie-Blanque, without a doubt one of the most difficult passes of this early part of the Tour de France.
Guillaume Martin, who until then had benefited from a fantastic job by his teammates, was holding on as the peloton shrank. And then, with 20 km to go, a series of attacks began. PogaÄar, Bernal, PogaÄar again. Guillaume was holding on.
A dearly defended 3rd place in the general classification
Although he was finally left behind by a handful of seconds, the leader of the Cofidis team showed great self-control by taking part in the counterattack. As PogaÄar, Bernal, RogliÄ and Hirschi battled for the final victory, the group of riders led by Guillaume was spotted from a distance.
Guillaume resisted until the end and seeing the results of the classification - it is a success. He lost only 11 seconds to the stage winner, PogaÄar. In the overall classification, the Frenchman remains 3rd, 28 seconds behind the new yellow jersey, Primož RogliÄ.
Martin is the only rider to remain his position unchanged in the "top 10" this weekend. Now it's time for a well-deserved day of recovery. For the fans of Guillaume Martin, it will also be necessary to rest to continue to give him all their support for another fifteen days.
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