2023 Tour de France Stage 16 | Highlights
Report
In an awe-inspiring display of strength and skill, Jonas Vingegaard of Team Jumbo-Visma claimed a remarkable victory in the 16th stage of the Tour de France, a challenging time trial. The Danish rider delivered a blistering performance, surpassing the reigning champion, Tadej Pogacar, by over a minute and a half. His teammate, Wout van Aert, secured a respectable third-place finish in the thrilling race against the clock.
The stage began with Dylan van Baarle putting in a solid time trial on behalf of the yellow and black team, setting the stage for Van Aert’s turn. The Belgian rider initially faced a slight setback on the flat sections but unleashed a powerful surge in the final kilometers. Van Aert’s remarkable effort allowed him to sit in the hot seat, waiting for the remaining riders to finish.
As Van Aert crossed the finish line, Jonas Vingegaard embarked on his time trial, starting last among the riders. The yellow jersey holder wasted no time, establishing a 16-second lead over Pogacar at the first checkpoint. Vingegaard continued to extend his advantage on the first climb and during the descent, before arriving at the final climb with a half-minute lead. In a testament to his exceptional form, he further widened the gap during the challenging ascent. As a result, his lead in the general classification over Pogacar grew to an impressive one minute and 48 seconds.
Ecstatic with his extraordinary achievement, Vingegaard expressed his surprise and elation: “I felt fantastic, but I also surprised myself a bit. This was the best time trial I have ever done.” He highlighted his strategy, pushing hard on the flat and initial climb, aiming to recover during the descent and giving his all during the final ascent. Vingegaard credited his team for their exceptional support throughout the day, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
The Dane, still in disbelief over his remarkable results, humorously admitted to doubting his Garmin, thinking it was malfunctioning. With his incredible performance, Vingegaard now faces the challenge of defending the yellow jersey during the demanding queen stage, expecting attacks from his rivals.
Wout van Aert, the Belgian time trial champion, lauded Vingegaard’s astounding display, acknowledging that today’s outcome was a big step forward for the team. Despite his own strong performance, Van Aert humbly recognized his teammate’s exceptional achievement, noting that Vingegaard went almost three minutes faster.
With Vingegaard’s triumph, Team Jumbo-Visma’s season tally reaches an impressive 43 victories, with the Dane himself contributing 12 wins to the team’s successful campaign.
As the Tour de France continues, the team remains focused and determined, well aware that challenging days lie ahead. With a competitive and unpredictable race, Van Aert emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, recognizing that the Tour is not decided until the peloton reaches Paris.
Jonas Vingegaard’s stunning victory in the time trial showcased his exceptional talent and determination. His triumph over the formidable competition, including the defending champion, Tadej Pogacar, reaffirms his status as a true contender in the Tour de France. With the yellow jersey on his shoulders, Vingegaard now faces the challenge of navigating the upcoming tough stages, where his rivals will undoubtedly mount strong attacks. Team Jumbo-Visma celebrates a momentous day, cherishing their season’s successes and embracing the thrilling battles that lie ahead in the quest for the coveted Tour de France title.
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