{"id":2048668,"date":"2026-07-17T10:44:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2048668"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:44:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:44:04","slug":"as-it-happened-victory-for-the-breakaway-on-stage-13-of-the-tour-de-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2048668","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Victory for the breakaway on stage 13 of the Tour de France"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qfa37GMJEKuDMvtaCdMUz3-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qfa37GMJEKuDMvtaCdMUz3-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Massive breakaway shakes up the race for the overall podium\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aUZGFkr3rDhTqjXbqj5iCP-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of the Massif Central during stage 10 of the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Victory for the breakaway on stage 13 of the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<h2>The longest stage of the Tour, and the only one over 200 kilometres. The profile, across challenging terrain, favours breakaways, but it could take some time for that group to escape on the opening flat roads<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-13-live-chance-for-breakaway-success-as-race-heads-into-the-vosges\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>3<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Results<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Have your say<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>200KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>180KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>170KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>160KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>150KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>90KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>80KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; COL DES CROIX<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>40KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>KOM &#8211; BALLON D&#8217;ALSACE<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>20KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>10KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>1KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>SCHMID WINS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-361668dc-80f0-11f1-88ec-cf838e39e3a0\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-361668dc-80f0-11f1-88ec-cf838e39e3a0-2\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 13 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Watch the 2026 Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3616694a-80f0-11f1-bffc-37fea74583f2\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8e9f3890-81f8-11f1-b2a6-3f02e52373ce\"><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 13 &#8211; Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:15:45.088Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c479d0ae-81fa-11f1-a27f-b5b13ccc8aee\">Thanks for joining us today, for what was exactly the kind of fierce, all-in battle for a breakaway victory that we\u2019d hope for, one that remained unpredictable throughout the day and went down to the wire.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow could be another one for the breakaway, but then again it could also be one for the GC, as the race takes on some proper mountains, including the category one Le Markstein near the finish. There promises to be action for both the stage win, and in the race for the GC &#8211; be sure to follow along with us for all the action!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c479d11c-81fa-11f1-984a-f9851dc30bb2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:04:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:04:03.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-22927940-81f9-11f1-bd33-65ecded82cf7\">One of the big stories of the day is Pidcock\u2019s massive jump on the GC. Big GC teams such as Lidl and Red Bull were concerned enough by him to commit to a big chase for much of the finale, with the former&#8217;s Simmons leading eventually leading the peloton over the line. Is the Brit now a genuine podium contender?<\/p>\n<p>Tom Pidcock rockets himself into Tour de France top five with big breakaway ride<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-229279a4-81f9-11f1-8018-bfa491ad2df7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:56:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:56:22.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>47:18:31<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:03:36<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso (Spa) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:35<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Florian Lipowitz (Ger) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:08<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lenny Martinez (Fra) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:06:34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:52:25+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:52:25.382Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-826171fc-81f7-11f1-b0a9-2177407a36af\">This is a career-defining victory for Mauro Schmid. He\u2019s won big before, notably at the Giro d\u2019Italia five years ago, but the Tour de France is at a whole different level. He\u2019s long been a quality all-rounder, and has excelled in the classics, but to win on a stage with as hard a climb as the Ballon d\u2019Alsace is a fine effort.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also a great victory for his Jayco-AlUla team, who made top use of the very strong riders they managed to get into the break, with Matthews, Plapp and Schmid all working smartly together to seal the victory. Chapeau.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-82617274-81f7-11f1-a827-15b7bd57bf3a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:45:51+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:45:51.973Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-979baffc-81f6-11f1-b1c3-099d906f2f91\">The peloton arrived at the finish 7:32 after Schmid, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe dragging them over the line after a hard chase.<\/p>\n<p>That sees Pidcock leapfrog up to fourth overall &#8211; he might not have won the stage, but he now has a great place on GC to defend, which he has being saying throughout this Tour is something he would like to try to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:43:02+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:43:02.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mauro Schmid (Swi) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>04:06:58<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 1 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 3 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 4 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Fra) Ineos Grenadiers<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 5 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordan Jegat (Fra) Totalenergies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 6 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso (Fra) Groupama-FDJ United<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lucas Plapp (Aus) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:40:53.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5b2fd72-81f5-11f1-a034-95ef2cf19567\">Tom Pidcock might have had to settle for third place in the end, but he still stands to gain a lot in the GC. We now wait for the GC group to arrive at the finish to find out how many places has leapt up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e5b2fe08-81f5-11f1-997e-c3e6d62b1c1e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:37:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:37:03.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d15da16-81f5-11f1-87c1-515b7daa4a4b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:34:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:34:22.029Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-schmid-wins\"><span>SCHMID WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3bb936-81f4-11f1-9ce6-9b76b46f308b\">Tejada opened up the sprint, and led for much of it, but Schmid battled back to take the win! Just seconds behind, Pidcock won the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:32:44+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:32:44.134Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c1de2616-81f4-11f1-bd40-85a2c48c705a\">Tejada leads Schmid under the flamme rouge. The others haven&#8217;t given up yet, but still have 18 seconds to make up. Unless they play too many games, the win should be one of theirs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:31:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:31:42.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d20a736-81f4-11f1-a4a0-a9d2924fec64\">The two leaders have slowed as they enter the final 2km. Behind, attacks have been made by Vauquelin, McNulty and others, but they&#8217;re all still 18 seconds adrift.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:29:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:29:08.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4155bf40-81f4-11f1-ba3a-89ee8ef15e05\">So it looks like it\u2019s going to be Colombia\u2019s Tejada versus Switzerland&#8217;s Schmid for the stage &#8211; the latter came out on top in that equivalent fixture a the football World Cup recently &#8211; will there repeat this time?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:26:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:26:13.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f2a9c2-81f3-11f1-bc44-7fda7a83f1c9\">The advantage is leaning towards Schmid and Tejada! The chase is slowing down and the gap is growing, up to 20 seconds. There&#8217;s just 6.5km left to ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:22:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:22:58.250Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6526ae26-81f3-11f1-bac8-1368234620fc\">A lot of effort is being made in the chase, but they\u2019re struggling to cohere. Still the leading pair lead by 10 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Both stand to gain a lot &#8211; neither has ever won a stage at the Tour de France, and both their respective teams (Jayco and Astana) are winless so far at this Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:19:10+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:19:10.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd2877a2-81f2-11f1-b410-75b72261c133\">Schmid and Tejada have attacked together, and now lead the rest by ten seconds. Panic is ensuing in the chase, this is a dangerous, committed move, and they&#8217;re disappearing up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:17:01+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:17:01.913Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9056ca8c-81f2-11f1-8263-293da6b4b679\">Wellens is the first to make an attack, as the gradient shallows and they near the bottom of the descent. That causes a split in the group briefly, but they&#8217;re all back together again now.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the Matthews chase group is 35 seconds behind, and the peloton a distant 8:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:13:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:13:14.808Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-08f79c74-81f2-11f1-91cd-43cb666d0cb4\">The descent isn\u2019t quite steep or technical enough for Pidcock to make full use of his special skills, and the 10-man lead group remains all together. It could be that strength in numbers is what makes a difference in this finale &#8211; both Jayco (Schmid and Plapp) and UAE (Wellens and McNulty) have two cards to play, and will likely try firing them up the road as we get closer to the finish. This is a hard stage to call!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:08:17+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:08:17.869Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57e4b232-81f1-11f1-ae6b-7f2dea91996c\">Ten riders are at the front together &#8211; Pidcock, Plapp, Schmid, McNulty, Wellens, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, Jegat and Braz Afonso. The Jayco pair are aware of the fact that fast-finisher Matthews is just 30 seconds behind, and could yet join them again on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>As for the peloton, they&#8217;re still on the climb, 8:30 behind. Pedersen has dropped back into it, and it setting the pace for Lidl-Trek, who are now defending Ayuso and Skjelmose&#8217;s places on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:03:15+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:03:15.650Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-ballon-d-alsace\"><span>KOM &#8211; BALLON D&#8217;ALSACE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a3fb3f02-81f0-11f1-ab68-5f797339e1a0\">Pidcock attacked 800m from the summit, but Plapp dragged the rest of the group back onto his wheel. Over the summit Pidcock attacked again to take the top KOM points, and now they begin the descent &#8211; Pidcock&#8217;s happy hunting ground.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:00:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:00:32.339Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-42748da6-81f0-11f1-858a-07043074c1f5\">1km from the summit, eight riders are together &#8211; Plapp, Pidcock, Schmid, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, McNulty and Braz Afonso. Plapp and Schmid are working in tandem to attack, but neither have managed to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:57:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:57:22.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d169a3c6-81ef-11f1-9b8c-05fd7ff50ea4\">Pidcock has dragged a group of about seven riders to the wheel of Van Gils. With him are Jegat, Vauquelin, Braz Afonso and a few others &#8211; plus Plapp, who has just attacked them all and got a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:54:08.805Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e3e3f92-81ef-11f1-8646-8f77be074d98\">4m from the top, Jegat tries another attack, after Jayco-AlUla were riding tempo with O&#8217;Connor. He didn&#8217;t quite manage to get away, but Van Gils counter-attacks and now has a good gap of a few seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:50:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:50:53.333Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9697de4-81ee-11f1-93ff-c324bcb780c5\">A blast from the past as Marc Hirschi rides at the front of the race, having attacked out of the lead group. He&#8217;s labouring though, and is about to be caught by the rest of the group, which is being led by Jayco-AlUla, who have O&#8217;Connor, Plapp and Schmid.<\/p>\n<p>Out the back they continue to be dropped, including one of the top stage hopefuls Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:46:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:46:21.497Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474f85a8-81ee-11f1-92bb-8fc401d2c9bf\">Vauquelin set the pace briefly at the front of the group, but Pidcock has taken over after Jegat attacked. The Brit&#8217;s pace is enough to bring him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:43:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:43:21.772Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc2cf8e6-81ed-11f1-a5c0-552b53487a3f\">Pedersen, Girmay and Philipsen are among those dropped as they start the climb, while Pluimers has attacked out of the front. Pidcock&#8217;s final teammates are also finished, leaving up to the Brit to fend for himself from here to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:39:50+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:39:50.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5e7e8194-81ed-11f1-b867-b9afe1aed859\">They\u2019re about to start climbing the Ballon d\u2019Alsace, and an exciting fight for the stage win is shaping up. Pidcock is the man many will have their eyes on, especially with such a long descent so close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>But this group is full of quality climbers who will fancy their chances of getting the better of him on the climb &#8211; McNulty, Healy, Tejada, Vauquelin, O\u2019Connor, Plapp, Bennett, Izagirre and Jegat all look like potential winners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:35:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:35:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d220e886-81ec-11f1-b948-a588f69cf78c\">The gap from the break to the peloton is now up to eight minutes. It&#8217;s still only Bahrain leading at the front of the peloton, but more riders&#8217; spots on GC are coming under threat now &#8211; Pidcock is now third place on the virtual GC. Will more teams assist Bahrain?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:32:28+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:32:28.945Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-des-croix\"><span>KOM &#8211; COL DES CROIX<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-57373aa8-81ec-11f1-ad77-6d0678cbceff\">Hermans goes over the top of the climb first, pacing for Pidcock after the Healy move was brought back. It\u2019s still a large group that\u2019s together at the front, of about 40 riders. They will now descend before taking on the day\u2019s big test &#8211; the historical, category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:29:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:29:14.084Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e2f2d94a-81eb-11f1-8041-1bab77c7ed4f\">Just over 1km until the summit of the climb, and we have a first attack from the breakaway &#8211; and surprise, surprise, it&#8217;s come from Ben Healy. He&#8217;s brought about five riders with him, but the rest aren&#8217;t far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:25:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:25:12.799Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5313390a-81eb-11f1-88d2-4f93a463497b\">The break is on the climb, and riders are indeed dropping out, including Pinarello\u2019s Fred Wright. Pidcock still has Hermans and Meurisse working for him at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:20:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:20:32.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-abd5484a-81ea-11f1-956c-f577cc8a6575\">It might not be long now until the fight among the breakaway riders for the stage win begins. At the moment, Pinarello Q36.5 are setting tempo at the front for Tom Pidcock, trying to maintain their big lead of 7:40 over the peloton, and catapult him up the GC. But we\u2019re nearing the first of the day\u2019s two climbs, the category three Col des Croix (5.1km at 4.7%), and such a big group is surely to thin out once we start going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:14:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:14:23.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffdaf60-81e9-11f1-b012-871f637a2d67\">A couple of Red Bull riders have been given the day off from domestique duty and been allowed up the break today &#8211; Van Gils and Tim Van Dijke.<\/p>\n<p>The team are very serious about chasing the podium with one of their two co-leaders, Evenepoel and Lipowitz, but unlike their GC rivals UAE, Visma, Decathlon and Lidl-Trek, they so far do not have a stage win. They will try to put that right today.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Right now the fight is for the podium&#8217; &#8211; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare for two-handed GC game in Tour de France&#8217;s long weekend of mountain stages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cffdafc4-81e9-11f1-ad02-ebe153d34735\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:06:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:06:52.768Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68\">Philipsen takes the 25 points at the sprint, after being ably led-out by his teammate Planckaert &#8211; but only just. It was a close one on the line, with Pedersen placing second and Girmay third. Here&#8217;s what the rankings look like now:<\/p>\n<p>1 Pedersen 377<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68-2\">2 Philipsen 336<\/p>\n<p>3 Girmay 333<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c39b2500-81e8-11f1-b8df-47f08967964d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:59:30.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe\">The breakaway is only 4km away from the intermediate sprint. Here&#8217;s a reminder of what the green jersey rankings are going into it &#8211; all al of the top three are present in the break to compete for the points.<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 357<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 317<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 311<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 307<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 239<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:55:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:55:42.716Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-342d6fd2-81e7-11f1-b324-dfbb95798970\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:50:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:50:18.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7313a7ee-81e6-11f1-b9f5-975c4b002f3d\">UAE Team Emirates XRG had been setting tempo at the front of the peloton, but now Bahrain-Victorious have taken over from them.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re riding in defence of Lenny Martinez&#8217;s ninth-place on GC, which has been usurped by Tom Pidcock &#8211; he&#8217;s 5:15 ahead of the Brit on GC, and the peloton is currently 7 minutes down from the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7313a85c-81e6-11f1-a0b5-d787e69d625a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:43:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:43:23.226Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b3294ea-81e5-11f1-90c6-1fa9861d9139\">One rider who was in the Pedersen group that\u2019s now joined the leaders is Brandan McNulty. The UAE rider has been given some freedom off domestique duty for the yellow jersey, and now has a chance to land himself, and the USA, a stage win &#8211; one that\u2019s much needed for the nation, given they\u2019re now on a 100-stage streak without one at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p>How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:36:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:36:58.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95b8740c-81e4-11f1-a4ca-ab6db106dbd6\">That&#8217;s it, the catch is made. So we now have a massive lead group of 58 riders.<\/p>\n<p>Things should calm down a little now as they all have a breather after that long chase, but hostilities will reignite again soonish as they head towards the landmark that chase was all for &#8211; the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:30:53.946Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced6f10-81e3-11f1-b39c-db010a08edc5\">The Pedersen group is closing the gap! They\u2019re now just 20 seconds away. It looks as though they should join them before the intermediate sprint after all, and all of the green jersey\u2019s work all day will have been worth it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:26:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:26:12.385Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14c793e2-81e3-11f1-acfe-1b9fc2ee3892\">It looks inevitable that the break will succeed today, but that hasn\u2019t been the case for much of this Tour. Some in the peloton have even felt the breakaways aren\u2019t trying to succeed, deflated by the knowledge that Tadej Poga\u010dar can bend races to his will. Thankfully for those up ahead today, it seems the yellow jersey has no interest in chasing them down.<\/p>\n<p>Are the Tour de France breakaways doing enough to try and beat UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Tadej Poga\u010dar?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:19:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:19:13.208Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1af1e016-81e2-11f1-99ce-f76cbb848189\">Still the chase goes on, and for the first time in a while the Pedersen group has made inroads. They&#8217;ve brought the leaders to within 35 seconds &#8211; will they eventually be able to join them? Pedersen and Girmay (pictured) have over 30km until the all-important intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1af1e08e-81e2-11f1-bd6e-2189b157a00b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:12:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:12:07.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d2c2432-81e1-11f1-b932-870daf218e61\">While Tom Pidcock is the headline British name in the 37-mean leading group, his Pinarello teammate Fred Wright is another who has managed to make it. He&#8217;s been speaking to Cyclingnews about his desire to win what would be a first ever professional international race.<\/p>\n<p>From &#8216;freak&#8217; injury to another shot at that &#8216;elusive&#8217; win \u2013 Fred Wright finally finds feet at Pinarello-Q36.5 at Tour de France<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2c24c8-81e1-11f1-bcf9-3d36bf2afeb4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:03:29+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:03:29.270Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e85c604c-81df-11f1-b3f8-eb651ce3d016\">Given the size of this group, surely today will be a day for the breakaway. Already the UAE-led peloton has allowed them 4:15, and are showing no signs of wanting to chase them hard.<\/p>\n<p>The big question is whether the second group can catch them. Right now, it&#8217;s looking hard for them, as the gap is holding stubbornly at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e85c60ba-81df-11f1-be0a-2582a393295e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:55:11+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:55:11.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfb54f42-81de-11f1-9472-d12b9791f6ae\">Mads Pedersen looks exhausted, his mouth wide open and head going from side to side, as he tries to help this group join the leaders. Progress has stalled, however, and they\u2019re still stuck at about 45 seconds. This is going to be a hard one for him.<\/p>\n<p>As well as Girmay, other riders in the group include several stage-hunters &#8211; O\u2019Connor, Asgreen, Kwiatkowski, Matthews, Plapp, Cort and Abrahamsen among them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:48:31+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:48:31.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1823088-81dd-11f1-a9cd-3fb6349d3671\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:44:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:44:57.845Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78\">Slowly but surely, the Pedersen chase group is making inroads. They&#8217;ve still 48 seconds to bring back, but are gradually eating into that deficit.<\/p>\n<p>Having ridden such a great Tour so far, with fun aggressive tactics, this had threatened to be their first mishap, but they&#8217;re going about well in their efforts to amend the situation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78-2\">&#8216;We go bananas&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek honour fair play code but throw cat among pigeons with barrage of attacks on the Tour de France sprinters&#8217; teams<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:39:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:39:18.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2\">The peloton has sat up, and is now two minutes behind the breakaway group, which has a total of 37 riders in it. But the 20-man chase group featuring Pedersen and Girmay haven\u2019t given up yet, and are 55 seconds behind the leaders, and chasing hard to try and join them.<\/p>\n<p>Jasper Philipsen will be eager for them not to. He was in a reflective mood yesterday, accepting of the fact that he was simply slower than Tim Merlier when it came to the sprints. But if that chasing group doesn\u2019t join them, he stands to start turning his Tour around, potentially putting himself right back in contention to challenge Pedersen for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2-2\">&#8216;If I get beaten, that&#8217;s the way it is&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen forced to accept defeat as rivals Soudal-QuickStep celebrate their third Tour de France win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:33:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:33:53.783Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c610a880-81db-11f1-8d20-417dbd2cde55\">The peloton is over a minute behind the break now. More attacks have been made out of it though, including a move with Biniam Girmay, which has prompted Mads Pedersen to (yet again) attack himself to try and chase him down. The Girmay group remains closer to the peloton than the break, however, 50 seconds behind the latter and only 20 seconds ahead of the former.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c610a916-81db-11f1-9be7-fdc0641fd7e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:27:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:27:55.191Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f047f17c-81da-11f1-aacb-910fa3cdab1b\">Momentum is running out in the peloton. Lidl-Trek are lacking the numbers and support to keep it up, and the gap to the breakaway has grown to 40 seconds. It looks like Lidl might now have given up the ghost, as they&#8217;ve stopped chasing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:22:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:22:32.547Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fec1976-81da-11f1-9caf-3934d39720bd\">There are fifteen riders in the break to the peloton, where Pedersen has tried taking things into his own hands by pacing.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the other notable names in this breakaway group, as well as Philipsen and Pidcock &#8211; Healy, Vauquelin, Van Gils, Mohoric, Wellens, McNulty, Hagenes, Schmid, Gregoire, Alaphilippe and Jegat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2fec1a02-81da-11f1-8ed1-0f25ab99eb5a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:16:05+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:16:05.515Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-493dbba6-81d9-11f1-97ac-73a43bbe1adc\">This has turned into a battle between Alpecin and Lidl, as Philipsen\u2019s teammates in the break look to keep this move clear, and Pedersen\u2019s in the peloton try to shut it down. Right now, the gap remains at ten seconds.<\/p>\n<p>The intermediate sprint isn\u2019t yet for the best part of 100km away, but there are no climbs preceding it; so should this break succeed in going clear, the 25 points should be Philipsen\u2019s. Given he only trails Pedersen by 46 points in the points classification, Lidl will not want to let him have them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:11:43+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:11:43.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acfb5a8c-81d8-11f1-b0c0-b5576d3aa5f9\">Tom Pidcock is the best-place rider on GC in the break. In 10th at 11:49, he&#8217;ll be seen by many as a danger, and will likely spark a chase.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, it&#8217;s Lidl-Trek who are trying to shut it down, having missed out on the move. They&#8217;re also fearful of Jasper Philipsen, who is also in the break, and is a threat to Pedersen&#8217;s green jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acfb5af0-81d8-11f1-b3e9-9720b6c552a3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:06:36.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f6272c82-81d7-11f1-92a1-871c685ea99e\">There&#8217;s been a split in the peloton, with a group of over 40 riders going clear from the rest of the peloton. There will be some concern among the GC teams as they try to figure out whether anyone dangerous has managed to make it in to this move. So far we have spotted any.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:00:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:00:14.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-123160c4-81d7-11f1-b1ea-8d3ec4f3462e\">The move of Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann is over &#8211; they&#8217;ve been caught. The waves of attacks have never ceased, but now the new attackers don&#8217;t have a group up the road to chase down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:55:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:55:57.893Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-799a596a-81d6-11f1-bc1d-cd87093469d1\">The five riders up the road. They&#8217;re working hard together, but the action in the peloton is making it difficult for them to build much of an advantage. Having been up the road for over 20km, they only have a lead of ten seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-799a5a28-81d6-11f1-87c9-1ff7c1643198\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:50:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:50:24.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724\">They might have Asgreen up the road already, but EF really want Ben Healy in the break, and the Irishman keeps attacking in his trademark persistent style every opportunity he gets.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s had a difficult Tour so far, but is now in the terrain where he can really flourish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s my Achilles heel, some of us just aren&#8217;t built for it&#8217; \u2013 Ben Healy&#8217;s attacking exploits have been stifled at the Tour de France, but he senses the moment to strike<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:44:53.608Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed8d66de-81d4-11f1-8496-276df76ac354\">15 seconds is the lead for Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann. This was a good move to get into, as all the attempts to gain a gap from the peloton since have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ed8d674c-81d4-11f1-a616-db3ba5fd8c16\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:39:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:39:07.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f67daaa-81d4-11f1-a415-ed65fbdfbbb6\">The five leaders still are 20 seconds ahead. The attacks keep coming behind, including one from Mads Pedersen and another from Ben Healy. A lot of big names fancy their chances today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f67db18-81d4-11f1-8352-5732f3cf5d8c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:33:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:33:57.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-666cea0e-81d3-11f1-90a7-f5fba9de7cd1\">Five riders have a gap of 12 seconds, and it&#8217;s a strong group &#8211; Micha\u0142 Kwiatkowski, Kasper Asgreen, Louis Vervaeke, Alex Kirsch and Georg Zimmermann. This won&#8217;t be the end of the action, and more attacks will come out of the peloton, but if those five riders keep working together and stay out the front of the road they could be a part of whatever definitive breakaway does eventually form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:28:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:28:52.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b08ed44a-81d2-11f1-98bd-ff9329e69ece\">And they&#8217;re off! Ballerini was the first rider to attack, and now another group including Abrahamsen are trying their luck &#8211; among the first of what will surely be many attempts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:25:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:25:24.004Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-345e7baa-81d2-11f1-9ea8-31a9921b236b\">Just 1km left before the riders leave from Dole and take on the official start. This is going to be an intense beginning, as the fight to get into the break begins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-345e7c04-81d2-11f1-b1a1-719877ffe1b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:20:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:20:55.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9457e402-81d1-11f1-945c-07297efadfcf\">Two potential winners today, from very different scenarios &#8211; could it be Mads Pedersen from a breakaway, digging deep to survive the final climb; or Tadej Poga\u010dar from the peloton on a GC battle?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9457e466-81d1-11f1-9be3-41e3e86a4bbb\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:11:39+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:11:39.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48e75bde-81d0-11f1-878a-0515ed916268\">Although this does look like prime territory for a break to succeed, it\u2019s by no means guaranteed. Much will depend on what kind of mood is in Tadej Poga\u010dar, and before the start today he was non-committal about whether or not he\u2019d put his UAE team to chase the break down.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-48e75c56-81d0-11f1-8aee-8905ec5beecb\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThat depends on who is in the break.\u201d <\/p><figcaption><cite>Tadej Poga\u010dar, on whether or not he&#8217;ll chase down the break<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48e75cd8-81d0-11f1-9df5-437a51cce581\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:05:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:05:21.856Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d88730-81cf-11f1-a3fa-d90f639cc7ec\">The riders are travelling through the neutralised section, preparing for the official start of the stage, where the fight to get into the break will commence.<\/p>\n<p>This is a curious stage. The climb (and descent) of the category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace near the finish will be decisive, but in order to get into the breakaway to contest for the stage win, riders will need a big rouleur engine, as there are no climbs inside the first 150km of the stage. So it could be that the stage is decided by the climbing prowess of a group of breakaway riders whose speciality is not climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:58:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:58:57.613Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82da0da2-81ce-11f1-b990-f1f2a343c1b1\">After the crash in yesterday\u2019s finale, there are three non-starters this morning &#8211; Jenno Berckmoes, Frits Biesterbos, and, most notably, Fernando Gaviria. The Colombian endured a frustrating Tour, although had been getting closer and closer as the race went on, before reaching the top ten for the first time on stage 12. But now his race ends prematurely, and he\u2019ll be out of action for a little while having broken his collarbone.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;He was our big hope for the win&#8217; &#8211; Former Tour de France leader Fernando Gaviria exits with broken collarbone<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:50:34+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:50:34.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7\">After a couple of sprint stages in succession, this one looks like prime territory for a breakaway to be allowed to go clear.<\/p>\n<p>There is plenty of hunger in the peloton to get into the breakaway, especially among the (many) teams who remain winless, as reflected by all the efforts to do so on yesterday\u2019s mostly flat parcours; therefore we\u2019re anticipating a big fight to do so today, on a day that looks very well-suited to the escape artists.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 13 preview &#8211; Longest stage of this year&#8217;s race tackles Ballon d\u2019Alsace on approach to finish that suits breakaway<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:43:59+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:43:59.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36166c92-80f0-11f1-a712-2f0f556bb498\">Hello and welcome to stage 13 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MxNPsKcENZHieLZfWHSFK.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a hard job, don&#8217;t be fooled&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar turns bottle-fetcher as he gets a taste of his teammates&#8217; Tour de France workload<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He&#8217;s turned this race upside down&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock rockets himself to within reach of Tour de France GC podium with huge team effort<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Mauro Schmid outduels Harold Tejada in two-rider matchup at the line on stage 13<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Courses will look different&#8217; due to forest fire reroute at Leadville Trail 100 MTB as organisers given &#8216;green light&#8217; for August 15 races<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Redemption for Charlotte Kool with stage 2 sprint victory and overall race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Victory for the breakaway on stage 13 of the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<h2>The longest stage of the Tour, and the only one over 200 kilometres. The profile, across challenging terrain, favours breakaways, but it could take some time for that group to escape on the opening flat roads<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-13-live-chance-for-breakaway-success-as-race-heads-into-the-vosges\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>3<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">As it happened: Victory for the breakaway on stage 13 of the Tour de France<\/h1>\n<h2>The longest stage of the Tour, and the only one over 200 kilometres. The profile, across challenging terrain, favours breakaways, but it could take some time for that group to escape on the opening flat roads<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Live-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-13-live-chance-for-breakaway-success-as-race-heads-into-the-vosges\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)]\"><span>3<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:var(--comment-count-text-color,inherit)] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-361668dc-80f0-11f1-88ec-cf838e39e3a0\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Everything you need to know<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-361668dc-80f0-11f1-88ec-cf838e39e3a0-2\"><strong>2026 Tour de France &#8211; Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 13 &#8211; Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Watch the 2026 Tour de France<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3616694a-80f0-11f1-bffc-37fea74583f2\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8e9f3890-81f8-11f1-b2a6-3f02e52373ce\"><strong>2026 Tour de France stage 13 &#8211; Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-have-your-say\"><span>Have your say<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:15:45.088Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c479d0ae-81fa-11f1-a27f-b5b13ccc8aee\">Thanks for joining us today, for what was exactly the kind of fierce, all-in battle for a breakaway victory that we\u2019d hope for, one that remained unpredictable throughout the day and went down to the wire.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow could be another one for the breakaway, but then again it could also be one for the GC, as the race takes on some proper mountains, including the category one Le Markstein near the finish. There promises to be action for both the stage win, and in the race for the GC &#8211; be sure to follow along with us for all the action!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c479d11c-81fa-11f1-984a-f9851dc30bb2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:04:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:04:03.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-22927940-81f9-11f1-bd33-65ecded82cf7\">One of the big stories of the day is Pidcock\u2019s massive jump on the GC. Big GC teams such as Lidl and Red Bull were concerned enough by him to commit to a big chase for much of the finale, with the former&#8217;s Simmons leading eventually leading the peloton over the line. Is the Brit now a genuine podium contender?<\/p>\n<p>Tom Pidcock rockets himself into Tour de France top five with big breakaway ride<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-229279a4-81f9-11f1-8018-bfa491ad2df7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:56:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:56:22.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>47:18:31<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:03:36<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso (Spa) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:35<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Florian Lipowitz (Ger) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:08<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lenny Martinez (Fra) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:06:34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:52:25+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:52:25.382Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-826171fc-81f7-11f1-b0a9-2177407a36af\">This is a career-defining victory for Mauro Schmid. He\u2019s won big before, notably at the Giro d\u2019Italia five years ago, but the Tour de France is at a whole different level. He\u2019s long been a quality all-rounder, and has excelled in the classics, but to win on a stage with as hard a climb as the Ballon d\u2019Alsace is a fine effort.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also a great victory for his Jayco-AlUla team, who made top use of the very strong riders they managed to get into the break, with Matthews, Plapp and Schmid all working smartly together to seal the victory. Chapeau.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-82617274-81f7-11f1-a827-15b7bd57bf3a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:45:51+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:45:51.973Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-979baffc-81f6-11f1-b1c3-099d906f2f91\">The peloton arrived at the finish 7:32 after Schmid, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe dragging them over the line after a hard chase.<\/p>\n<p>That sees Pidcock leapfrog up to fourth overall &#8211; he might not have won the stage, but he now has a great place on GC to defend, which he has being saying throughout this Tour is something he would like to try to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:43:02+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:43:02.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mauro Schmid (Swi) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>04:06:58<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 1 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 3 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 4 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Fra) Ineos Grenadiers<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 5 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordan Jegat (Fra) Totalenergies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 6 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso (Fra) Groupama-FDJ United<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lucas Plapp (Aus) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:40:53.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5b2fd72-81f5-11f1-a034-95ef2cf19567\">Tom Pidcock might have had to settle for third place in the end, but he still stands to gain a lot in the GC. We now wait for the GC group to arrive at the finish to find out how many places has leapt up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e5b2fe08-81f5-11f1-997e-c3e6d62b1c1e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:37:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:37:03.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d15da16-81f5-11f1-87c1-515b7daa4a4b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:34:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:34:22.029Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-schmid-wins\"><span>SCHMID WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3bb936-81f4-11f1-9ce6-9b76b46f308b\">Tejada opened up the sprint, and led for much of it, but Schmid battled back to take the win! Just seconds behind, Pidcock won the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:32:44+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:32:44.134Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c1de2616-81f4-11f1-bd40-85a2c48c705a\">Tejada leads Schmid under the flamme rouge. The others haven&#8217;t given up yet, but still have 18 seconds to make up. Unless they play too many games, the win should be one of theirs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:31:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:31:42.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d20a736-81f4-11f1-a4a0-a9d2924fec64\">The two leaders have slowed as they enter the final 2km. Behind, attacks have been made by Vauquelin, McNulty and others, but they&#8217;re all still 18 seconds adrift.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:29:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:29:08.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4155bf40-81f4-11f1-ba3a-89ee8ef15e05\">So it looks like it\u2019s going to be Colombia\u2019s Tejada versus Switzerland&#8217;s Schmid for the stage &#8211; the latter came out on top in that equivalent fixture a the football World Cup recently &#8211; will there repeat this time?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:26:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:26:13.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f2a9c2-81f3-11f1-bc44-7fda7a83f1c9\">The advantage is leaning towards Schmid and Tejada! The chase is slowing down and the gap is growing, up to 20 seconds. There&#8217;s just 6.5km left to ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:22:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:22:58.250Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6526ae26-81f3-11f1-bac8-1368234620fc\">A lot of effort is being made in the chase, but they\u2019re struggling to cohere. Still the leading pair lead by 10 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Both stand to gain a lot &#8211; neither has ever won a stage at the Tour de France, and both their respective teams (Jayco and Astana) are winless so far at this Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:19:10+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:19:10.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd2877a2-81f2-11f1-b410-75b72261c133\">Schmid and Tejada have attacked together, and now lead the rest by ten seconds. Panic is ensuing in the chase, this is a dangerous, committed move, and they&#8217;re disappearing up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:17:01+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:17:01.913Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9056ca8c-81f2-11f1-8263-293da6b4b679\">Wellens is the first to make an attack, as the gradient shallows and they near the bottom of the descent. That causes a split in the group briefly, but they&#8217;re all back together again now.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the Matthews chase group is 35 seconds behind, and the peloton a distant 8:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:13:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:13:14.808Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-08f79c74-81f2-11f1-91cd-43cb666d0cb4\">The descent isn\u2019t quite steep or technical enough for Pidcock to make full use of his special skills, and the 10-man lead group remains all together. It could be that strength in numbers is what makes a difference in this finale &#8211; both Jayco (Schmid and Plapp) and UAE (Wellens and McNulty) have two cards to play, and will likely try firing them up the road as we get closer to the finish. This is a hard stage to call!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:08:17+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:08:17.869Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57e4b232-81f1-11f1-ae6b-7f2dea91996c\">Ten riders are at the front together &#8211; Pidcock, Plapp, Schmid, McNulty, Wellens, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, Jegat and Braz Afonso. The Jayco pair are aware of the fact that fast-finisher Matthews is just 30 seconds behind, and could yet join them again on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>As for the peloton, they&#8217;re still on the climb, 8:30 behind. Pedersen has dropped back into it, and it setting the pace for Lidl-Trek, who are now defending Ayuso and Skjelmose&#8217;s places on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:03:15+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:03:15.650Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-ballon-d-alsace\"><span>KOM &#8211; BALLON D&#8217;ALSACE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a3fb3f02-81f0-11f1-ab68-5f797339e1a0\">Pidcock attacked 800m from the summit, but Plapp dragged the rest of the group back onto his wheel. Over the summit Pidcock attacked again to take the top KOM points, and now they begin the descent &#8211; Pidcock&#8217;s happy hunting ground.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:00:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:00:32.339Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-42748da6-81f0-11f1-858a-07043074c1f5\">1km from the summit, eight riders are together &#8211; Plapp, Pidcock, Schmid, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, McNulty and Braz Afonso. Plapp and Schmid are working in tandem to attack, but neither have managed to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:57:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:57:22.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d169a3c6-81ef-11f1-9b8c-05fd7ff50ea4\">Pidcock has dragged a group of about seven riders to the wheel of Van Gils. With him are Jegat, Vauquelin, Braz Afonso and a few others &#8211; plus Plapp, who has just attacked them all and got a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:54:08.805Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e3e3f92-81ef-11f1-8646-8f77be074d98\">4m from the top, Jegat tries another attack, after Jayco-AlUla were riding tempo with O&#8217;Connor. He didn&#8217;t quite manage to get away, but Van Gils counter-attacks and now has a good gap of a few seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:50:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:50:53.333Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9697de4-81ee-11f1-93ff-c324bcb780c5\">A blast from the past as Marc Hirschi rides at the front of the race, having attacked out of the lead group. He&#8217;s labouring though, and is about to be caught by the rest of the group, which is being led by Jayco-AlUla, who have O&#8217;Connor, Plapp and Schmid.<\/p>\n<p>Out the back they continue to be dropped, including one of the top stage hopefuls Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:46:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:46:21.497Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474f85a8-81ee-11f1-92bb-8fc401d2c9bf\">Vauquelin set the pace briefly at the front of the group, but Pidcock has taken over after Jegat attacked. The Brit&#8217;s pace is enough to bring him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:43:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:43:21.772Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc2cf8e6-81ed-11f1-a5c0-552b53487a3f\">Pedersen, Girmay and Philipsen are among those dropped as they start the climb, while Pluimers has attacked out of the front. Pidcock&#8217;s final teammates are also finished, leaving up to the Brit to fend for himself from here to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:39:50+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:39:50.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5e7e8194-81ed-11f1-b867-b9afe1aed859\">They\u2019re about to start climbing the Ballon d\u2019Alsace, and an exciting fight for the stage win is shaping up. Pidcock is the man many will have their eyes on, especially with such a long descent so close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>But this group is full of quality climbers who will fancy their chances of getting the better of him on the climb &#8211; McNulty, Healy, Tejada, Vauquelin, O\u2019Connor, Plapp, Bennett, Izagirre and Jegat all look like potential winners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:35:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:35:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d220e886-81ec-11f1-b948-a588f69cf78c\">The gap from the break to the peloton is now up to eight minutes. It&#8217;s still only Bahrain leading at the front of the peloton, but more riders&#8217; spots on GC are coming under threat now &#8211; Pidcock is now third place on the virtual GC. Will more teams assist Bahrain?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:32:28+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:32:28.945Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-des-croix\"><span>KOM &#8211; COL DES CROIX<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-57373aa8-81ec-11f1-ad77-6d0678cbceff\">Hermans goes over the top of the climb first, pacing for Pidcock after the Healy move was brought back. It\u2019s still a large group that\u2019s together at the front, of about 40 riders. They will now descend before taking on the day\u2019s big test &#8211; the historical, category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:29:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:29:14.084Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e2f2d94a-81eb-11f1-8041-1bab77c7ed4f\">Just over 1km until the summit of the climb, and we have a first attack from the breakaway &#8211; and surprise, surprise, it&#8217;s come from Ben Healy. He&#8217;s brought about five riders with him, but the rest aren&#8217;t far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:25:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:25:12.799Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5313390a-81eb-11f1-88d2-4f93a463497b\">The break is on the climb, and riders are indeed dropping out, including Pinarello\u2019s Fred Wright. Pidcock still has Hermans and Meurisse working for him at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:20:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:20:32.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-abd5484a-81ea-11f1-956c-f577cc8a6575\">It might not be long now until the fight among the breakaway riders for the stage win begins. At the moment, Pinarello Q36.5 are setting tempo at the front for Tom Pidcock, trying to maintain their big lead of 7:40 over the peloton, and catapult him up the GC. But we\u2019re nearing the first of the day\u2019s two climbs, the category three Col des Croix (5.1km at 4.7%), and such a big group is surely to thin out once we start going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:14:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:14:23.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffdaf60-81e9-11f1-b012-871f637a2d67\">A couple of Red Bull riders have been given the day off from domestique duty and been allowed up the break today &#8211; Van Gils and Tim Van Dijke.<\/p>\n<p>The team are very serious about chasing the podium with one of their two co-leaders, Evenepoel and Lipowitz, but unlike their GC rivals UAE, Visma, Decathlon and Lidl-Trek, they so far do not have a stage win. They will try to put that right today.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Right now the fight is for the podium&#8217; &#8211; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare for two-handed GC game in Tour de France&#8217;s long weekend of mountain stages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cffdafc4-81e9-11f1-ad02-ebe153d34735\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:06:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:06:52.768Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68\">Philipsen takes the 25 points at the sprint, after being ably led-out by his teammate Planckaert &#8211; but only just. It was a close one on the line, with Pedersen placing second and Girmay third. Here&#8217;s what the rankings look like now:<\/p>\n<p>1 Pedersen 377<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68-2\">2 Philipsen 336<\/p>\n<p>3 Girmay 333<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c39b2500-81e8-11f1-b8df-47f08967964d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:59:30.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe\">The breakaway is only 4km away from the intermediate sprint. Here&#8217;s a reminder of what the green jersey rankings are going into it &#8211; all al of the top three are present in the break to compete for the points.<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 357<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 317<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 311<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 307<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 239<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:55:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:55:42.716Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-342d6fd2-81e7-11f1-b324-dfbb95798970\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:50:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:50:18.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7313a7ee-81e6-11f1-b9f5-975c4b002f3d\">UAE Team Emirates XRG had been setting tempo at the front of the peloton, but now Bahrain-Victorious have taken over from them.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re riding in defence of Lenny Martinez&#8217;s ninth-place on GC, which has been usurped by Tom Pidcock &#8211; he&#8217;s 5:15 ahead of the Brit on GC, and the peloton is currently 7 minutes down from the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7313a85c-81e6-11f1-a0b5-d787e69d625a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:43:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:43:23.226Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b3294ea-81e5-11f1-90c6-1fa9861d9139\">One rider who was in the Pedersen group that\u2019s now joined the leaders is Brandan McNulty. The UAE rider has been given some freedom off domestique duty for the yellow jersey, and now has a chance to land himself, and the USA, a stage win &#8211; one that\u2019s much needed for the nation, given they\u2019re now on a 100-stage streak without one at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p>How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:36:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:36:58.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95b8740c-81e4-11f1-a4ca-ab6db106dbd6\">That&#8217;s it, the catch is made. So we now have a massive lead group of 58 riders.<\/p>\n<p>Things should calm down a little now as they all have a breather after that long chase, but hostilities will reignite again soonish as they head towards the landmark that chase was all for &#8211; the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:30:53.946Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced6f10-81e3-11f1-b39c-db010a08edc5\">The Pedersen group is closing the gap! They\u2019re now just 20 seconds away. It looks as though they should join them before the intermediate sprint after all, and all of the green jersey\u2019s work all day will have been worth it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:26:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:26:12.385Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14c793e2-81e3-11f1-acfe-1b9fc2ee3892\">It looks inevitable that the break will succeed today, but that hasn\u2019t been the case for much of this Tour. Some in the peloton have even felt the breakaways aren\u2019t trying to succeed, deflated by the knowledge that Tadej Poga\u010dar can bend races to his will. Thankfully for those up ahead today, it seems the yellow jersey has no interest in chasing them down.<\/p>\n<p>Are the Tour de France breakaways doing enough to try and beat UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Tadej Poga\u010dar?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:19:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:19:13.208Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1af1e016-81e2-11f1-99ce-f76cbb848189\">Still the chase goes on, and for the first time in a while the Pedersen group has made inroads. They&#8217;ve brought the leaders to within 35 seconds &#8211; will they eventually be able to join them? Pedersen and Girmay (pictured) have over 30km until the all-important intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1af1e08e-81e2-11f1-bd6e-2189b157a00b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:12:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:12:07.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d2c2432-81e1-11f1-b932-870daf218e61\">While Tom Pidcock is the headline British name in the 37-mean leading group, his Pinarello teammate Fred Wright is another who has managed to make it. He&#8217;s been speaking to Cyclingnews about his desire to win what would be a first ever professional international race.<\/p>\n<p>From &#8216;freak&#8217; injury to another shot at that &#8216;elusive&#8217; win \u2013 Fred Wright finally finds feet at Pinarello-Q36.5 at Tour de France<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2c24c8-81e1-11f1-bcf9-3d36bf2afeb4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:03:29+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:03:29.270Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e85c604c-81df-11f1-b3f8-eb651ce3d016\">Given the size of this group, surely today will be a day for the breakaway. Already the UAE-led peloton has allowed them 4:15, and are showing no signs of wanting to chase them hard.<\/p>\n<p>The big question is whether the second group can catch them. Right now, it&#8217;s looking hard for them, as the gap is holding stubbornly at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e85c60ba-81df-11f1-be0a-2582a393295e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:55:11+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:55:11.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfb54f42-81de-11f1-9472-d12b9791f6ae\">Mads Pedersen looks exhausted, his mouth wide open and head going from side to side, as he tries to help this group join the leaders. Progress has stalled, however, and they\u2019re still stuck at about 45 seconds. This is going to be a hard one for him.<\/p>\n<p>As well as Girmay, other riders in the group include several stage-hunters &#8211; O\u2019Connor, Asgreen, Kwiatkowski, Matthews, Plapp, Cort and Abrahamsen among them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:48:31+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:48:31.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1823088-81dd-11f1-a9cd-3fb6349d3671\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:44:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:44:57.845Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78\">Slowly but surely, the Pedersen chase group is making inroads. They&#8217;ve still 48 seconds to bring back, but are gradually eating into that deficit.<\/p>\n<p>Having ridden such a great Tour so far, with fun aggressive tactics, this had threatened to be their first mishap, but they&#8217;re going about well in their efforts to amend the situation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78-2\">&#8216;We go bananas&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek honour fair play code but throw cat among pigeons with barrage of attacks on the Tour de France sprinters&#8217; teams<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:39:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:39:18.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2\">The peloton has sat up, and is now two minutes behind the breakaway group, which has a total of 37 riders in it. But the 20-man chase group featuring Pedersen and Girmay haven\u2019t given up yet, and are 55 seconds behind the leaders, and chasing hard to try and join them.<\/p>\n<p>Jasper Philipsen will be eager for them not to. He was in a reflective mood yesterday, accepting of the fact that he was simply slower than Tim Merlier when it came to the sprints. But if that chasing group doesn\u2019t join them, he stands to start turning his Tour around, potentially putting himself right back in contention to challenge Pedersen for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2-2\">&#8216;If I get beaten, that&#8217;s the way it is&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen forced to accept defeat as rivals Soudal-QuickStep celebrate their third Tour de France win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:33:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:33:53.783Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c610a880-81db-11f1-8d20-417dbd2cde55\">The peloton is over a minute behind the break now. More attacks have been made out of it though, including a move with Biniam Girmay, which has prompted Mads Pedersen to (yet again) attack himself to try and chase him down. The Girmay group remains closer to the peloton than the break, however, 50 seconds behind the latter and only 20 seconds ahead of the former.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c610a916-81db-11f1-9be7-fdc0641fd7e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:27:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:27:55.191Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f047f17c-81da-11f1-aacb-910fa3cdab1b\">Momentum is running out in the peloton. Lidl-Trek are lacking the numbers and support to keep it up, and the gap to the breakaway has grown to 40 seconds. It looks like Lidl might now have given up the ghost, as they&#8217;ve stopped chasing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:22:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:22:32.547Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fec1976-81da-11f1-9caf-3934d39720bd\">There are fifteen riders in the break to the peloton, where Pedersen has tried taking things into his own hands by pacing.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the other notable names in this breakaway group, as well as Philipsen and Pidcock &#8211; Healy, Vauquelin, Van Gils, Mohoric, Wellens, McNulty, Hagenes, Schmid, Gregoire, Alaphilippe and Jegat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2fec1a02-81da-11f1-8ed1-0f25ab99eb5a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:16:05+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:16:05.515Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-493dbba6-81d9-11f1-97ac-73a43bbe1adc\">This has turned into a battle between Alpecin and Lidl, as Philipsen\u2019s teammates in the break look to keep this move clear, and Pedersen\u2019s in the peloton try to shut it down. Right now, the gap remains at ten seconds.<\/p>\n<p>The intermediate sprint isn\u2019t yet for the best part of 100km away, but there are no climbs preceding it; so should this break succeed in going clear, the 25 points should be Philipsen\u2019s. Given he only trails Pedersen by 46 points in the points classification, Lidl will not want to let him have them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:11:43+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:11:43.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acfb5a8c-81d8-11f1-b0c0-b5576d3aa5f9\">Tom Pidcock is the best-place rider on GC in the break. In 10th at 11:49, he&#8217;ll be seen by many as a danger, and will likely spark a chase.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, it&#8217;s Lidl-Trek who are trying to shut it down, having missed out on the move. They&#8217;re also fearful of Jasper Philipsen, who is also in the break, and is a threat to Pedersen&#8217;s green jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acfb5af0-81d8-11f1-b3e9-9720b6c552a3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:06:36.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f6272c82-81d7-11f1-92a1-871c685ea99e\">There&#8217;s been a split in the peloton, with a group of over 40 riders going clear from the rest of the peloton. There will be some concern among the GC teams as they try to figure out whether anyone dangerous has managed to make it in to this move. So far we have spotted any.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:00:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:00:14.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-123160c4-81d7-11f1-b1ea-8d3ec4f3462e\">The move of Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann is over &#8211; they&#8217;ve been caught. The waves of attacks have never ceased, but now the new attackers don&#8217;t have a group up the road to chase down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:55:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:55:57.893Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-799a596a-81d6-11f1-bc1d-cd87093469d1\">The five riders up the road. They&#8217;re working hard together, but the action in the peloton is making it difficult for them to build much of an advantage. Having been up the road for over 20km, they only have a lead of ten seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-799a5a28-81d6-11f1-87c9-1ff7c1643198\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:50:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:50:24.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724\">They might have Asgreen up the road already, but EF really want Ben Healy in the break, and the Irishman keeps attacking in his trademark persistent style every opportunity he gets.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s had a difficult Tour so far, but is now in the terrain where he can really flourish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s my Achilles heel, some of us just aren&#8217;t built for it&#8217; \u2013 Ben Healy&#8217;s attacking exploits have been stifled at the Tour de France, but he senses the moment to strike<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:44:53.608Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed8d66de-81d4-11f1-8496-276df76ac354\">15 seconds is the lead for Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann. This was a good move to get into, as all the attempts to gain a gap from the peloton since have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ed8d674c-81d4-11f1-a616-db3ba5fd8c16\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:39:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:39:07.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f67daaa-81d4-11f1-a415-ed65fbdfbbb6\">The five leaders still are 20 seconds ahead. The attacks keep coming behind, including one from Mads Pedersen and another from Ben Healy. A lot of big names fancy their chances today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f67db18-81d4-11f1-8352-5732f3cf5d8c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:33:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:33:57.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-666cea0e-81d3-11f1-90a7-f5fba9de7cd1\">Five riders have a gap of 12 seconds, and it&#8217;s a strong group &#8211; Micha\u0142 Kwiatkowski, Kasper Asgreen, Louis Vervaeke, Alex Kirsch and Georg Zimmermann. This won&#8217;t be the end of the action, and more attacks will come out of the peloton, but if those five riders keep working together and stay out the front of the road they could be a part of whatever definitive breakaway does eventually form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:28:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:28:52.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b08ed44a-81d2-11f1-98bd-ff9329e69ece\">And they&#8217;re off! Ballerini was the first rider to attack, and now another group including Abrahamsen are trying their luck &#8211; among the first of what will surely be many attempts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:25:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:25:24.004Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-345e7baa-81d2-11f1-9ea8-31a9921b236b\">Just 1km left before the riders leave from Dole and take on the official start. This is going to be an intense beginning, as the fight to get into the break begins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-345e7c04-81d2-11f1-b1a1-719877ffe1b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:20:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:20:55.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9457e402-81d1-11f1-945c-07297efadfcf\">Two potential winners today, from very different scenarios &#8211; could it be Mads Pedersen from a breakaway, digging deep to survive the final climb; or Tadej Poga\u010dar from the peloton on a GC battle?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9457e466-81d1-11f1-9be3-41e3e86a4bbb\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:11:39+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:11:39.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48e75bde-81d0-11f1-878a-0515ed916268\">Although this does look like prime territory for a break to succeed, it\u2019s by no means guaranteed. Much will depend on what kind of mood is in Tadej Poga\u010dar, and before the start today he was non-committal about whether or not he\u2019d put his UAE team to chase the break down.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-48e75c56-81d0-11f1-8aee-8905ec5beecb\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThat depends on who is in the break.\u201d <\/p><figcaption><cite>Tadej Poga\u010dar, on whether or not he&#8217;ll chase down the break<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48e75cd8-81d0-11f1-9df5-437a51cce581\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:05:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:05:21.856Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d88730-81cf-11f1-a3fa-d90f639cc7ec\">The riders are travelling through the neutralised section, preparing for the official start of the stage, where the fight to get into the break will commence.<\/p>\n<p>This is a curious stage. The climb (and descent) of the category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace near the finish will be decisive, but in order to get into the breakaway to contest for the stage win, riders will need a big rouleur engine, as there are no climbs inside the first 150km of the stage. So it could be that the stage is decided by the climbing prowess of a group of breakaway riders whose speciality is not climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:58:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:58:57.613Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82da0da2-81ce-11f1-b990-f1f2a343c1b1\">After the crash in yesterday\u2019s finale, there are three non-starters this morning &#8211; Jenno Berckmoes, Frits Biesterbos, and, most notably, Fernando Gaviria. The Colombian endured a frustrating Tour, although had been getting closer and closer as the race went on, before reaching the top ten for the first time on stage 12. But now his race ends prematurely, and he\u2019ll be out of action for a little while having broken his collarbone.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;He was our big hope for the win&#8217; &#8211; Former Tour de France leader Fernando Gaviria exits with broken collarbone<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:50:34+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:50:34.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7\">After a couple of sprint stages in succession, this one looks like prime territory for a breakaway to be allowed to go clear.<\/p>\n<p>There is plenty of hunger in the peloton to get into the breakaway, especially among the (many) teams who remain winless, as reflected by all the efforts to do so on yesterday\u2019s mostly flat parcours; therefore we\u2019re anticipating a big fight to do so today, on a day that looks very well-suited to the escape artists.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 13 preview &#8211; Longest stage of this year&#8217;s race tackles Ballon d\u2019Alsace on approach to finish that suits breakaway<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:43:59+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:43:59.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36166c92-80f0-11f1-a712-2f0f556bb498\">Hello and welcome to stage 13 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:15:45+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:15:45.088Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c479d0ae-81fa-11f1-a27f-b5b13ccc8aee\">Thanks for joining us today, for what was exactly the kind of fierce, all-in battle for a breakaway victory that we\u2019d hope for, one that remained unpredictable throughout the day and went down to the wire.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow could be another one for the breakaway, but then again it could also be one for the GC, as the race takes on some proper mountains, including the category one Le Markstein near the finish. There promises to be action for both the stage win, and in the race for the GC &#8211; be sure to follow along with us for all the action!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c479d11c-81fa-11f1-984a-f9851dc30bb2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GmQx4cLDqeAc6jmQyo4gBW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T16:04:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T16:04:03.795Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-22927940-81f9-11f1-bd33-65ecded82cf7\">One of the big stories of the day is Pidcock\u2019s massive jump on the GC. Big GC teams such as Lidl and Red Bull were concerned enough by him to commit to a big chase for much of the finale, with the former&#8217;s Simmons leading eventually leading the peloton over the line. Is the Brit now a genuine podium contender?<\/p>\n<p>Tom Pidcock rockets himself into Tour de France top five with big breakaway ride<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-229279a4-81f9-11f1-8018-bfa491ad2df7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2th6sGHJMos6s5R97YiA7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:56:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:56:22.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-JFuCJUmCGNxyHysTlF1Xsmqv8KhPqQjJ slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>47:18:31<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma-Lease a Bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:03:36<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:15<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Juan Ayuso (Spa) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:22<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Paul Seixas (Fra) Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:35<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Florian Lipowitz (Ger) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:04:44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:08<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:05:45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lenny Martinez (Fra) Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:06:34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:52:25+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:52:25.382Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-826171fc-81f7-11f1-b0a9-2177407a36af\">This is a career-defining victory for Mauro Schmid. He\u2019s won big before, notably at the Giro d\u2019Italia five years ago, but the Tour de France is at a whole different level. He\u2019s long been a quality all-rounder, and has excelled in the classics, but to win on a stage with as hard a climb as the Ballon d\u2019Alsace is a fine effort.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also a great victory for his Jayco-AlUla team, who made top use of the very strong riders they managed to get into the break, with Matthews, Plapp and Schmid all working smartly together to seal the victory. Chapeau.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-82617274-81f7-11f1-a827-15b7bd57bf3a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxRkWPin6y3wSiLRhU5ATQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:45:51+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:45:51.973Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-979baffc-81f6-11f1-b1c3-099d906f2f91\">The peloton arrived at the finish 7:32 after Schmid, Lidl-Trek and Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe dragging them over the line after a hard chase.<\/p>\n<p>That sees Pidcock leapfrog up to fourth overall &#8211; he might not have won the stage, but he now has a great place on GC to defend, which he has being saying throughout this Tour is something he would like to try to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:43:02+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:43:02.578Z<\/time><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP\" class=\"slice-container table-wrapper table-xEgFvVQw5ASTz6UTuUZBLg-xGwJzGqwXjY2OfXgyuc3yTFcHWBusecP slice-container-table\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<thead class=\"table__head\">\n<tr class=\"table__head__row\">\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Place<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Rider (Country) Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th class=\"table__head__heading table__head__heading--left\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Result<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Mauro Schmid (Swi) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>04:06:58<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Harold Tejada (Col) XDS Astana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 1 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock (GBr) Pinarello-Q36.5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:02<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 3 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 4 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Fra) Ineos Grenadiers<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 5 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Jordan Jegat (Fra) Totalenergies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 6 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso (Fra) Groupama-FDJ United<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 7 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 8 &#8211; Cell 2 <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Lucas Plapp (Aus) Jayco-AlUla<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>00:00:11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:40:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:40:53.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5b2fd72-81f5-11f1-a034-95ef2cf19567\">Tom Pidcock might have had to settle for third place in the end, but he still stands to gain a lot in the GC. We now wait for the GC group to arrive at the finish to find out how many places has leapt up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e5b2fe08-81f5-11f1-997e-c3e6d62b1c1e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iURLh9YeVJvmMUtF9GJGDi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:37:03+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:37:03.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5d15da16-81f5-11f1-87c1-515b7daa4a4b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:34:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:34:22.029Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-schmid-wins\"><span>SCHMID WINS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3bb936-81f4-11f1-9ce6-9b76b46f308b\">Tejada opened up the sprint, and led for much of it, but Schmid battled back to take the win! Just seconds behind, Pidcock won the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:32:44+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:32:44.134Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-1km-to-go\"><span>1KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c1de2616-81f4-11f1-bd40-85a2c48c705a\">Tejada leads Schmid under the flamme rouge. The others haven&#8217;t given up yet, but still have 18 seconds to make up. Unless they play too many games, the win should be one of theirs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:31:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:31:42.453Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d20a736-81f4-11f1-a4a0-a9d2924fec64\">The two leaders have slowed as they enter the final 2km. Behind, attacks have been made by Vauquelin, McNulty and others, but they&#8217;re all still 18 seconds adrift.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:29:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:29:08.264Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4155bf40-81f4-11f1-ba3a-89ee8ef15e05\">So it looks like it\u2019s going to be Colombia\u2019s Tejada versus Switzerland&#8217;s Schmid for the stage &#8211; the latter came out on top in that equivalent fixture a the football World Cup recently &#8211; will there repeat this time?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:26:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:26:13.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f2a9c2-81f3-11f1-bc44-7fda7a83f1c9\">The advantage is leaning towards Schmid and Tejada! The chase is slowing down and the gap is growing, up to 20 seconds. There&#8217;s just 6.5km left to ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:22:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:22:58.250Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-10km-to-go\"><span>10KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-6526ae26-81f3-11f1-bac8-1368234620fc\">A lot of effort is being made in the chase, but they\u2019re struggling to cohere. Still the leading pair lead by 10 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Both stand to gain a lot &#8211; neither has ever won a stage at the Tour de France, and both their respective teams (Jayco and Astana) are winless so far at this Tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:19:10+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:19:10.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd2877a2-81f2-11f1-b410-75b72261c133\">Schmid and Tejada have attacked together, and now lead the rest by ten seconds. Panic is ensuing in the chase, this is a dangerous, committed move, and they&#8217;re disappearing up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:17:01+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:17:01.913Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9056ca8c-81f2-11f1-8263-293da6b4b679\">Wellens is the first to make an attack, as the gradient shallows and they near the bottom of the descent. That causes a split in the group briefly, but they&#8217;re all back together again now.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile the Matthews chase group is 35 seconds behind, and the peloton a distant 8:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:13:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:13:14.808Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-20km-to-go\"><span>20KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-08f79c74-81f2-11f1-91cd-43cb666d0cb4\">The descent isn\u2019t quite steep or technical enough for Pidcock to make full use of his special skills, and the 10-man lead group remains all together. It could be that strength in numbers is what makes a difference in this finale &#8211; both Jayco (Schmid and Plapp) and UAE (Wellens and McNulty) have two cards to play, and will likely try firing them up the road as we get closer to the finish. This is a hard stage to call!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:08:17+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:08:17.869Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57e4b232-81f1-11f1-ae6b-7f2dea91996c\">Ten riders are at the front together &#8211; Pidcock, Plapp, Schmid, McNulty, Wellens, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, Jegat and Braz Afonso. The Jayco pair are aware of the fact that fast-finisher Matthews is just 30 seconds behind, and could yet join them again on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>As for the peloton, they&#8217;re still on the climb, 8:30 behind. Pedersen has dropped back into it, and it setting the pace for Lidl-Trek, who are now defending Ayuso and Skjelmose&#8217;s places on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:03:15+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:03:15.650Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-ballon-d-alsace\"><span>KOM &#8211; BALLON D&#8217;ALSACE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-a3fb3f02-81f0-11f1-ab68-5f797339e1a0\">Pidcock attacked 800m from the summit, but Plapp dragged the rest of the group back onto his wheel. Over the summit Pidcock attacked again to take the top KOM points, and now they begin the descent &#8211; Pidcock&#8217;s happy hunting ground.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T15:00:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T15:00:32.339Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-42748da6-81f0-11f1-858a-07043074c1f5\">1km from the summit, eight riders are together &#8211; Plapp, Pidcock, Schmid, Vauquelin, Tejada , Van Gils, McNulty and Braz Afonso. Plapp and Schmid are working in tandem to attack, but neither have managed to go clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:57:22+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:57:22.723Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d169a3c6-81ef-11f1-9b8c-05fd7ff50ea4\">Pidcock has dragged a group of about seven riders to the wheel of Van Gils. With him are Jegat, Vauquelin, Braz Afonso and a few others &#8211; plus Plapp, who has just attacked them all and got a gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:54:08+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:54:08.805Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e3e3f92-81ef-11f1-8646-8f77be074d98\">4m from the top, Jegat tries another attack, after Jayco-AlUla were riding tempo with O&#8217;Connor. He didn&#8217;t quite manage to get away, but Van Gils counter-attacks and now has a good gap of a few seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:50:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:50:53.333Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9697de4-81ee-11f1-93ff-c324bcb780c5\">A blast from the past as Marc Hirschi rides at the front of the race, having attacked out of the lead group. He&#8217;s labouring though, and is about to be caught by the rest of the group, which is being led by Jayco-AlUla, who have O&#8217;Connor, Plapp and Schmid.<\/p>\n<p>Out the back they continue to be dropped, including one of the top stage hopefuls Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:46:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:46:21.497Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474f85a8-81ee-11f1-92bb-8fc401d2c9bf\">Vauquelin set the pace briefly at the front of the group, but Pidcock has taken over after Jegat attacked. The Brit&#8217;s pace is enough to bring him back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:43:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:43:21.772Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc2cf8e6-81ed-11f1-a5c0-552b53487a3f\">Pedersen, Girmay and Philipsen are among those dropped as they start the climb, while Pluimers has attacked out of the front. Pidcock&#8217;s final teammates are also finished, leaving up to the Brit to fend for himself from here to the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:39:50+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:39:50.432Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-5e7e8194-81ed-11f1-b867-b9afe1aed859\">They\u2019re about to start climbing the Ballon d\u2019Alsace, and an exciting fight for the stage win is shaping up. Pidcock is the man many will have their eyes on, especially with such a long descent so close to the finish.<\/p>\n<p>But this group is full of quality climbers who will fancy their chances of getting the better of him on the climb &#8211; McNulty, Healy, Tejada, Vauquelin, O\u2019Connor, Plapp, Bennett, Izagirre and Jegat all look like potential winners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:35:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:35:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d220e886-81ec-11f1-b948-a588f69cf78c\">The gap from the break to the peloton is now up to eight minutes. It&#8217;s still only Bahrain leading at the front of the peloton, but more riders&#8217; spots on GC are coming under threat now &#8211; Pidcock is now third place on the virtual GC. Will more teams assist Bahrain?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:32:28+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:32:28.945Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-col-des-croix\"><span>KOM &#8211; COL DES CROIX<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-57373aa8-81ec-11f1-ad77-6d0678cbceff\">Hermans goes over the top of the climb first, pacing for Pidcock after the Healy move was brought back. It\u2019s still a large group that\u2019s together at the front, of about 40 riders. They will now descend before taking on the day\u2019s big test &#8211; the historical, category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:29:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:29:14.084Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e2f2d94a-81eb-11f1-8041-1bab77c7ed4f\">Just over 1km until the summit of the climb, and we have a first attack from the breakaway &#8211; and surprise, surprise, it&#8217;s come from Ben Healy. He&#8217;s brought about five riders with him, but the rest aren&#8217;t far away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:25:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:25:12.799Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5313390a-81eb-11f1-88d2-4f93a463497b\">The break is on the climb, and riders are indeed dropping out, including Pinarello\u2019s Fred Wright. Pidcock still has Hermans and Meurisse working for him at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:20:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:20:32.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-abd5484a-81ea-11f1-956c-f577cc8a6575\">It might not be long now until the fight among the breakaway riders for the stage win begins. At the moment, Pinarello Q36.5 are setting tempo at the front for Tom Pidcock, trying to maintain their big lead of 7:40 over the peloton, and catapult him up the GC. But we\u2019re nearing the first of the day\u2019s two climbs, the category three Col des Croix (5.1km at 4.7%), and such a big group is surely to thin out once we start going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:14:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:14:23.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cffdaf60-81e9-11f1-b012-871f637a2d67\">A couple of Red Bull riders have been given the day off from domestique duty and been allowed up the break today &#8211; Van Gils and Tim Van Dijke.<\/p>\n<p>The team are very serious about chasing the podium with one of their two co-leaders, Evenepoel and Lipowitz, but unlike their GC rivals UAE, Visma, Decathlon and Lidl-Trek, they so far do not have a stage win. They will try to put that right today.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Right now the fight is for the podium&#8217; &#8211; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare for two-handed GC game in Tour de France&#8217;s long weekend of mountain stages<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cffdafc4-81e9-11f1-ad02-ebe153d34735\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zbkhcUf4KqJhDtnQRasCqd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T14:06:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T14:06:52.768Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-intermediate-sprint\"><span>INTERMEDIATE SPRINT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68\">Philipsen takes the 25 points at the sprint, after being ably led-out by his teammate Planckaert &#8211; but only just. It was a close one on the line, with Pedersen placing second and Girmay third. Here&#8217;s what the rankings look like now:<\/p>\n<p>1 Pedersen 377<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c39b2488-81e8-11f1-a82d-53e5a548ab68-2\">2 Philipsen 336<\/p>\n<p>3 Girmay 333<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c39b2500-81e8-11f1-b8df-47f08967964d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-844-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GEk6s9qbWUxYmWoUCa7hub-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:59:30+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:59:30.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe\">The breakaway is only 4km away from the intermediate sprint. Here&#8217;s a reminder of what the green jersey rankings are going into it &#8211; all al of the top three are present in the break to compete for the points.<\/p>\n<p>1 Mads Pedersen 357<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bbb25a08-81e7-11f1-b244-bb48034f98fe-2\">2 Biniam Girmay 317<\/p>\n<p>3 Jasper Philipsen 311<\/p>\n<p>4 Tim Merlier 307<\/p>\n<p>5 Max Kanter 239<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:55:42+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:55:42.716Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-342d6fd2-81e7-11f1-b324-dfbb95798970\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:50:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:50:18.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-7313a7ee-81e6-11f1-b9f5-975c4b002f3d\">UAE Team Emirates XRG had been setting tempo at the front of the peloton, but now Bahrain-Victorious have taken over from them.<\/p>\n<p>They&#8217;re riding in defence of Lenny Martinez&#8217;s ninth-place on GC, which has been usurped by Tom Pidcock &#8211; he&#8217;s 5:15 ahead of the Brit on GC, and the peloton is currently 7 minutes down from the break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7313a85c-81e6-11f1-a0b5-d787e69d625a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hqGNhvvysKTi8gDUpVEenL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:43:23+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:43:23.226Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b3294ea-81e5-11f1-90c6-1fa9861d9139\">One rider who was in the Pedersen group that\u2019s now joined the leaders is Brandan McNulty. The UAE rider has been given some freedom off domestique duty for the yellow jersey, and now has a chance to land himself, and the USA, a stage win &#8211; one that\u2019s much needed for the nation, given they\u2019re now on a 100-stage streak without one at the Tour.<\/p>\n<p>How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:36:58+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:36:58.172Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95b8740c-81e4-11f1-a4ca-ab6db106dbd6\">That&#8217;s it, the catch is made. So we now have a massive lead group of 58 riders.<\/p>\n<p>Things should calm down a little now as they all have a breather after that long chase, but hostilities will reignite again soonish as they head towards the landmark that chase was all for &#8211; the intermediate sprint, coming up in just over 20km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:30:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:30:53.946Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced6f10-81e3-11f1-b39c-db010a08edc5\">The Pedersen group is closing the gap! They\u2019re now just 20 seconds away. It looks as though they should join them before the intermediate sprint after all, and all of the green jersey\u2019s work all day will have been worth it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:26:12+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:26:12.385Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-14c793e2-81e3-11f1-acfe-1b9fc2ee3892\">It looks inevitable that the break will succeed today, but that hasn\u2019t been the case for much of this Tour. Some in the peloton have even felt the breakaways aren\u2019t trying to succeed, deflated by the knowledge that Tadej Poga\u010dar can bend races to his will. Thankfully for those up ahead today, it seems the yellow jersey has no interest in chasing them down.<\/p>\n<p>Are the Tour de France breakaways doing enough to try and beat UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Tadej Poga\u010dar?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:19:13+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:19:13.208Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1af1e016-81e2-11f1-99ce-f76cbb848189\">Still the chase goes on, and for the first time in a while the Pedersen group has made inroads. They&#8217;ve brought the leaders to within 35 seconds &#8211; will they eventually be able to join them? Pedersen and Girmay (pictured) have over 30km until the all-important intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1af1e08e-81e2-11f1-bd6e-2189b157a00b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6cN3JYHtUgMHBRBUaBbQ36-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:12:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:12:07.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d2c2432-81e1-11f1-b932-870daf218e61\">While Tom Pidcock is the headline British name in the 37-mean leading group, his Pinarello teammate Fred Wright is another who has managed to make it. He&#8217;s been speaking to Cyclingnews about his desire to win what would be a first ever professional international race.<\/p>\n<p>From &#8216;freak&#8217; injury to another shot at that &#8216;elusive&#8217; win \u2013 Fred Wright finally finds feet at Pinarello-Q36.5 at Tour de France<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2c24c8-81e1-11f1-bcf9-3d36bf2afeb4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ba5UkzYj5PvrLEucgtxomZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T13:03:29+00:00\">2026-07-17T13:03:29.270Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e85c604c-81df-11f1-b3f8-eb651ce3d016\">Given the size of this group, surely today will be a day for the breakaway. Already the UAE-led peloton has allowed them 4:15, and are showing no signs of wanting to chase them hard.<\/p>\n<p>The big question is whether the second group can catch them. Right now, it&#8217;s looking hard for them, as the gap is holding stubbornly at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e85c60ba-81df-11f1-be0a-2582a393295e\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eG7fiHueU6b2VwHikuZWYi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:55:11+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:55:11.686Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfb54f42-81de-11f1-9472-d12b9791f6ae\">Mads Pedersen looks exhausted, his mouth wide open and head going from side to side, as he tries to help this group join the leaders. Progress has stalled, however, and they\u2019re still stuck at about 45 seconds. This is going to be a hard one for him.<\/p>\n<p>As well as Girmay, other riders in the group include several stage-hunters &#8211; O\u2019Connor, Asgreen, Kwiatkowski, Matthews, Plapp, Cort and Abrahamsen among them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:48:31+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:48:31.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1823088-81dd-11f1-a9cd-3fb6349d3671\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:44:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:44:57.845Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78\">Slowly but surely, the Pedersen chase group is making inroads. They&#8217;ve still 48 seconds to bring back, but are gradually eating into that deficit.<\/p>\n<p>Having ridden such a great Tour so far, with fun aggressive tactics, this had threatened to be their first mishap, but they&#8217;re going about well in their efforts to amend the situation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-51d186d6-81dd-11f1-907e-d1bf96681f78-2\">&#8216;We go bananas&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek honour fair play code but throw cat among pigeons with barrage of attacks on the Tour de France sprinters&#8217; teams<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:39:18+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:39:18.866Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2\">The peloton has sat up, and is now two minutes behind the breakaway group, which has a total of 37 riders in it. But the 20-man chase group featuring Pedersen and Girmay haven\u2019t given up yet, and are 55 seconds behind the leaders, and chasing hard to try and join them.<\/p>\n<p>Jasper Philipsen will be eager for them not to. He was in a reflective mood yesterday, accepting of the fact that he was simply slower than Tim Merlier when it came to the sprints. But if that chasing group doesn\u2019t join them, he stands to start turning his Tour around, potentially putting himself right back in contention to challenge Pedersen for the green jersey.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-87d47b0e-81dc-11f1-a0ed-f9966ac10bd2-2\">&#8216;If I get beaten, that&#8217;s the way it is&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen forced to accept defeat as rivals Soudal-QuickStep celebrate their third Tour de France win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:33:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:33:53.783Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c610a880-81db-11f1-8d20-417dbd2cde55\">The peloton is over a minute behind the break now. More attacks have been made out of it though, including a move with Biniam Girmay, which has prompted Mads Pedersen to (yet again) attack himself to try and chase him down. The Girmay group remains closer to the peloton than the break, however, 50 seconds behind the latter and only 20 seconds ahead of the former.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c610a916-81db-11f1-9be7-fdc0641fd7e1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fAQxbp9FDDfbjirjmwSJka-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:27:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:27:55.191Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f047f17c-81da-11f1-aacb-910fa3cdab1b\">Momentum is running out in the peloton. Lidl-Trek are lacking the numbers and support to keep it up, and the gap to the breakaway has grown to 40 seconds. It looks like Lidl might now have given up the ghost, as they&#8217;ve stopped chasing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:22:32+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:22:32.547Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fec1976-81da-11f1-9caf-3934d39720bd\">There are fifteen riders in the break to the peloton, where Pedersen has tried taking things into his own hands by pacing.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the other notable names in this breakaway group, as well as Philipsen and Pidcock &#8211; Healy, Vauquelin, Van Gils, Mohoric, Wellens, McNulty, Hagenes, Schmid, Gregoire, Alaphilippe and Jegat.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2fec1a02-81da-11f1-8ed1-0f25ab99eb5a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VGr59Yyfe6b72KL6zfeor9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:16:05+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:16:05.515Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-493dbba6-81d9-11f1-97ac-73a43bbe1adc\">This has turned into a battle between Alpecin and Lidl, as Philipsen\u2019s teammates in the break look to keep this move clear, and Pedersen\u2019s in the peloton try to shut it down. Right now, the gap remains at ten seconds.<\/p>\n<p>The intermediate sprint isn\u2019t yet for the best part of 100km away, but there are no climbs preceding it; so should this break succeed in going clear, the 25 points should be Philipsen\u2019s. Given he only trails Pedersen by 46 points in the points classification, Lidl will not want to let him have them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:11:43+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:11:43.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-acfb5a8c-81d8-11f1-b0c0-b5576d3aa5f9\">Tom Pidcock is the best-place rider on GC in the break. In 10th at 11:49, he&#8217;ll be seen by many as a danger, and will likely spark a chase.<\/p>\n<p>For now, though, it&#8217;s Lidl-Trek who are trying to shut it down, having missed out on the move. They&#8217;re also fearful of Jasper Philipsen, who is also in the break, and is a threat to Pedersen&#8217;s green jersey.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-acfb5af0-81d8-11f1-b3e9-9720b6c552a3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zKEna3XiyS84BjhZxC8meM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:06:36+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:06:36.571Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-f6272c82-81d7-11f1-92a1-871c685ea99e\">There&#8217;s been a split in the peloton, with a group of over 40 riders going clear from the rest of the peloton. There will be some concern among the GC teams as they try to figure out whether anyone dangerous has managed to make it in to this move. So far we have spotted any.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T12:00:14+00:00\">2026-07-17T12:00:14.187Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-123160c4-81d7-11f1-b1ea-8d3ec4f3462e\">The move of Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann is over &#8211; they&#8217;ve been caught. The waves of attacks have never ceased, but now the new attackers don&#8217;t have a group up the road to chase down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:55:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:55:57.893Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-180km-to-go\"><span>180KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-799a596a-81d6-11f1-bc1d-cd87093469d1\">The five riders up the road. They&#8217;re working hard together, but the action in the peloton is making it difficult for them to build much of an advantage. Having been up the road for over 20km, they only have a lead of ten seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-799a5a28-81d6-11f1-87c9-1ff7c1643198\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CqePbUhgsPk5cuz26UbmsN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:50:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:50:24.166Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724\">They might have Asgreen up the road already, but EF really want Ben Healy in the break, and the Irishman keeps attacking in his trademark persistent style every opportunity he gets.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s had a difficult Tour so far, but is now in the terrain where he can really flourish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b28845c6-81d5-11f1-9f48-091cda9a9724-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s my Achilles heel, some of us just aren&#8217;t built for it&#8217; \u2013 Ben Healy&#8217;s attacking exploits have been stifled at the Tour de France, but he senses the moment to strike<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:44:53+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:44:53.608Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ed8d66de-81d4-11f1-8496-276df76ac354\">15 seconds is the lead for Kwiatkowski, Asgreen, Vervaeke, Kirsch and Zimmermann. This was a good move to get into, as all the attempts to gain a gap from the peloton since have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ed8d674c-81d4-11f1-a616-db3ba5fd8c16\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5TyLd52pZcZvHtfQRR42kd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:39:07+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:39:07.824Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1f67daaa-81d4-11f1-a415-ed65fbdfbbb6\">The five leaders still are 20 seconds ahead. The attacks keep coming behind, including one from Mads Pedersen and another from Ben Healy. A lot of big names fancy their chances today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1f67db18-81d4-11f1-8352-5732f3cf5d8c\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WTC4gCdMqLE6ZzAKXPQcR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:33:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:33:57.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-200km-to-go\"><span>200KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-666cea0e-81d3-11f1-90a7-f5fba9de7cd1\">Five riders have a gap of 12 seconds, and it&#8217;s a strong group &#8211; Micha\u0142 Kwiatkowski, Kasper Asgreen, Louis Vervaeke, Alex Kirsch and Georg Zimmermann. This won&#8217;t be the end of the action, and more attacks will come out of the peloton, but if those five riders keep working together and stay out the front of the road they could be a part of whatever definitive breakaway does eventually form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:28:52+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:28:52.384Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b08ed44a-81d2-11f1-98bd-ff9329e69ece\">And they&#8217;re off! Ballerini was the first rider to attack, and now another group including Abrahamsen are trying their luck &#8211; among the first of what will surely be many attempts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:25:24+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:25:24.004Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-345e7baa-81d2-11f1-9ea8-31a9921b236b\">Just 1km left before the riders leave from Dole and take on the official start. This is going to be an intense beginning, as the fight to get into the break begins.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-345e7c04-81d2-11f1-b1a1-719877ffe1b2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zs4YRmemV8gxKY6bCD3ZjA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:20:55+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:20:55.492Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9457e402-81d1-11f1-945c-07297efadfcf\">Two potential winners today, from very different scenarios &#8211; could it be Mads Pedersen from a breakaway, digging deep to survive the final climb; or Tadej Poga\u010dar from the peloton on a GC battle?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9457e466-81d1-11f1-9be3-41e3e86a4bbb\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/shWfxziu8kLnTshomj8QTT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:11:39+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:11:39.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48e75bde-81d0-11f1-878a-0515ed916268\">Although this does look like prime territory for a break to succeed, it\u2019s by no means guaranteed. Much will depend on what kind of mood is in Tadej Poga\u010dar, and before the start today he was non-committal about whether or not he\u2019d put his UAE team to chase the break down.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-48e75c56-81d0-11f1-8aee-8905ec5beecb\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cThat depends on who is in the break.\u201d <\/p><figcaption><cite>Tadej Poga\u010dar, on whether or not he&#8217;ll chase down the break<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48e75cd8-81d0-11f1-9df5-437a51cce581\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8xYL8XE3dxmJ7Y3BiQLZoD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T11:05:21+00:00\">2026-07-17T11:05:21.856Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67d88730-81cf-11f1-a3fa-d90f639cc7ec\">The riders are travelling through the neutralised section, preparing for the official start of the stage, where the fight to get into the break will commence.<\/p>\n<p>This is a curious stage. The climb (and descent) of the category one Ballon d\u2019Alsace near the finish will be decisive, but in order to get into the breakaway to contest for the stage win, riders will need a big rouleur engine, as there are no climbs inside the first 150km of the stage. So it could be that the stage is decided by the climbing prowess of a group of breakaway riders whose speciality is not climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:58:57+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:58:57.613Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82da0da2-81ce-11f1-b990-f1f2a343c1b1\">After the crash in yesterday\u2019s finale, there are three non-starters this morning &#8211; Jenno Berckmoes, Frits Biesterbos, and, most notably, Fernando Gaviria. The Colombian endured a frustrating Tour, although had been getting closer and closer as the race went on, before reaching the top ten for the first time on stage 12. But now his race ends prematurely, and he\u2019ll be out of action for a little while having broken his collarbone.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;He was our big hope for the win&#8217; &#8211; Former Tour de France leader Fernando Gaviria exits with broken collarbone<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:50:34+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:50:34.952Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7\">After a couple of sprint stages in succession, this one looks like prime territory for a breakaway to be allowed to go clear.<\/p>\n<p>There is plenty of hunger in the peloton to get into the breakaway, especially among the (many) teams who remain winless, as reflected by all the efforts to do so on yesterday\u2019s mostly flat parcours; therefore we\u2019re anticipating a big fight to do so today, on a day that looks very well-suited to the escape artists.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-573371d0-81cd-11f1-8b04-335c2bb333b7-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 13 preview &#8211; Longest stage of this year&#8217;s race tackles Ballon d\u2019Alsace on approach to finish that suits breakaway<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-17T10:43:59+00:00\">2026-07-17T10:43:59.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36166c92-80f0-11f1-a712-2f0f556bb498\">Hello and welcome to stage 13 of the Tour de France!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-stage-13-live-chance-for-breakaway-success-as-race-heads-into-the-vosges\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7W9s3Fv56sjt4pAnNyRSYE-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Massive breakaway shakes up the race for the overall podium 2 As it happened: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel 3 As it happened: GC race explodes into life on the climbs of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2048668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2048668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2048668"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2048668\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2048668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2048668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2048668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}