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I Knew TdF22-89
When Michael Mathews (BikeExchange-Jayco) attacked the break with 51 kilometers the commentators on NBC Sports thought it was a fool's errand. It was far to long to go solo and all were sure he wouldn't be able to stay away on the final climb up to the airfield above Mende. He was passed by Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) on the climb, but once it level off towards the top, Mathews was able to get back on. He opened up a gap on the short downhill before turning onto the air strip for the finish. He ended the day putting fifteen seconds into Bettiol by the time they had both finished the stage. He knew he could do it.