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Getting to the Climb First TdF23-71
The former Dutch Champion, Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) had used his superior descending skills to get away from the rest of the break away on the Col de la Casse Froide. He then teamed up with Andrey Amador (EF Education-EasyPost) in the valley. Today is Amador's second appearance in a stage break away in as many days. This one does have a much better chance of succeeding than yesterday's effort. The pair came to the penultimate climb of the day, the Col de la Croix Montmain, with nearly a minute on the four chasers. Is this going to be the move to stay off the front? Van Der Poel was certainly showing he was on great form today, despite his troubles yesterday. Or was he just sandbagging in order to have the freshest legs today?