Tour de France cyclists have covered more than half of the stages of this 110e edition and so far, the Israel – Premier Tech team can be proud of the work accomplished, according to Quebecer Guillaume Boivin.
On Thursday, the runners took part in the 12e stage of the Tour between Roanne and Belleville-en-Beaujolais. Spaniard Ion Izagirre, from the Cofidis team, attacked 30 kilometers from the finish and was the first to complete the 168.8 kilometer course.
He beat Frenchman Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) and American Matteo Jorgensen (Movistar) by 58 seconds.
At Israel – Premier Tech, Belgian Dylan Teuns took part in the breakaway of the day and finished eighth (+1 minute 27 seconds).
Hugo Houle finished 57e (+11 minutes 25 seconds) among a group of 21 runners, while Boivin finished in 132e seat (+27 minutes 57 seconds)
“For me, it was just getting through the stage,” said Guillaume Boivin, noting in passing the “extremely difficult” start reserved for the athletes.
It remains that between his experience in the Tour de France last year and that of this year, it is night and day.
The one who had been called in as reinforcements at the last minute had not had the chance to prepare adequately before setting off for the biggest cycling event in the world. This time, the sensations are much higher.
“It’s really not the same story as last year! It’s more fun and it’s less stressful not to wonder every day if we’re going to finish or not. I pass the mountains much better, I can even go into the breakaways and do my job, ”said Boivin, who notably supported Michael Woods in his victory at the ninth stage.
“So far, we can be very proud of the Tour we’ve done and we hope to continue in this direction. There are some solid steps ahead. »
In addition to Woods’ victory, Latvian Krists Neilands put on quite a show on Tuesday by escaping for about thirty kilometers. He was caught three kilometers from the finish.
“He had a fantastic day on Tuesday, it was quite impressive. It passed close, but the stars weren’t aligned. I think we will see him again for the rest of the Tour. »
Houle and Boivin are currently 77e and 132e in the provisional general classification, still led by defending champion Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma). Ontarian Michael Woods, teammate of Houle and Boivin, is the best ranked of their training at 30e rank.
A summit finish is scheduled for Friday at the conclusion of the 13e stage, followed by two stages in the mountains during the weekend.
THE top 10 of the 12e stage
- Ion Izagirre (ESP / COF) the 168.8 km in 3 h 51: 42. (average: 43.8 km / h)
- Mathieu Burgaudeau (FRA / TEN) at 58.
- Matteo Jorgenson (USA/MOV) 58.
- Tiesj Benoot (BEL/TJV) 1:06.
- Tobias Johannessen (NOR/UXT) 1:11.
- Thibaut Pinot (FRA / GFC) 1: 13.
- Guillaume Martin (FRA / COF) 1: 13.
- Dylan Teuns (BEL/IPT) 1:27.
- Ruben Guerreiro (POR/MOV) 1:27.
- Victor Campenaerts (BEL/LTD) 3:02.
THE top 10 of the general classification
- Jonas Vingegaard (DAN/TJV) 50:30:23.
- Tadej Pogacar (SLO / UAD) at 17.
- Jai Hindley (AUS/BOH) 2:40.
- Carlos Rodriguez (ESP/IGD) 4:22.
- Pello Bilbao (ESP/TBV) 4:34.
- Adam Yates (GBR/UAD) 4:39.
- Simon Yates (GBR/JAY) 4:44.
- Thomas Pidcock (GBR/IGD) 5:26.
- David Gaudu (FRA / GFC) 6: 01.
- Thibaut Pinot (FRA / GFC) 6: 33.