Tour de France - Bardet wins first stage of the 111th Tour - Cavendish suffers
John Degenkolb, the German professional cyclist, reacted with "goosebumps" to the double success of his colleagues at the start of the Tour de France. At the first stage of the French Grand Tour in Italy, Romain Bardet secured the French daily victory, while his young colleague Frank van den Broek finished second in the seaside resort of Rimini. "Insane", said Degenkolb after the 206 challenging kilometers. "I have never been so emotional about a victory that I didn't earn myself", added the 35-year-old.
Overjoyed, Bardet and the Dutchman van den Broek crossed the finish line together for the start of the 111th Tour. Both came as escapees only a few seconds before the main field. While Bardet was riding his last Tour, van den Broek was successful in his Tour debut.
The young and visibly exhausted newcomer could hardly believe the surprising success of the Dutch cycling team. "That's really incredible", said van den Broek. "I have no words for it." Bardet took over the yellow jersey of the overall leader. The 33-year-old won his fourth Tour stage victory. The Belgian Wout van Aert came in third place.
Little reason for joy had Mark Cavendish, who had to seriously consider his goal of another stage victory during the race at the beginning of the Tour. The 39-year-old veteran was already exhausted early in the race and finished 39 minutes behind Bardet. The time limit was 49 minutes. "It was so hot, so hot", lamented Cavendish.
Pogacar Fifth
The favorites around the two-time Giro winners Tadej Pogacar and the recently returned title defender Jonas Vingegaard kept a low profile, possibly indicating a major showdown on Sunday. Pogacar finished fifth, Vingegaard a little later in 16th place. Some observers expected an early attack from the Slovenian Pogacar. "It's not that far yet. But I think Sunday or the stage on Tuesday will be tough for the favorites", he said before the start of the stage.
The 25-year-old winner of the Giro is considered a big favorite for the title at the Tour de France, he could become the first to triumph in both major tours in the same year since Marco Pantani in 1998. Vingegaard had not raced since his severe injury in April. "Of course, he didn't have the optimal preparation. But we are ready to fight and take it day by day", said Vingegaard's sports director Grischa Niermann at Eurosport.
High temperatures drain riders
The first of the 21 sections was not only due to the 3,600 meters of altitude. The high temperatures drained the strength of the riders. Temperatures of up to 38 degrees were measured on the course after the start in Florence.
In particular, sprint star Cavendish suffered under the conditions. Shortly before the first climb of the day, the Col de Valico Tre Faggi, he had to give up. His teammates repeatedly sprayed water on his neck. Cavendish's Italian teammate Michele Gazzoli had to abandon the race 89 kilometers before the finish. Cavendish wants to secure the record for the most stage victories at the Tour with his 34 stage victories. Currently, he shares this record with the Belgian Eddy Merckx.
After a fall with spectators: Hirt breaks off parts of his tooth
There were indeed problems of another kind: For the Czech cycling professional Jan Hirt, the Tour became painful. Shortly before the start of the Etape in Florence, there was a collision with a spectator. A spokesperson for the Soudal-Quickstep team confirmed this to the German Press Agency upon request, but could not provide any details. Hirt's two teeth were damaged.
On the second day of the Tour, the pros will start on Sunday in Cesenatico. The city is the birthplace of the 2004 deceased Tour de France winner Marco Pantani. The stage ends after 199.2 kilometers and some short, but steep climbs in Bologna. There, an escapee with all-round qualities could win. Possibly, there will also be the first power struggle among the favorites.
- John Degenkolb expressed goosebumps upon witnessing Romain Bardet's stage victory and Frank van den Broek's second place finish in the Tour de France's first stage in Rimini, Italy.
- The victory marked Bardet's fourth stage victory in the Tour de France and his last one before retiring, while van den Broek, the young Dutchman, secured his first Tour success as a debutant.
- The International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour witnessed this double success, adding another exciting chapter to the storied history of professional cycling.
- On Sunday, the Tour de France will witness another significant stage, potentially causing goosebumps for fans and competitors alike, as the favorites, including Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, might unleash their power.
- Pogacar, the 25-year-old Slovenian who won the Giro d'Italia, is a strong contender for the Tour de France title, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Marco Pantani, who accomplished the double back in 1998.
- Although van den Broek secured an impressive success in his debut, Mark Cavendish, the 39-year-old veteran sprinter from Italy, struggled and finished 39 minutes behind the leader.
- The high temperatures during the first stage of the Tour de France drained the riders' strength, causing concerns for Cavendish, who eventually had to abandon the race due to exhaustion.
- This year's Tour de France, like many before, has been filled with challenges and obstacles for the professional cyclists, propelling the emotions and suspense of the thrilling competition.
- As the race continues, cycling fans from around the world eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious in the Tour de France's 111th edition and remain captivated by the captivating world of professional cycling.
