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The Battle Is Behind TdF23-99
Stage 15 became a story of three different races all being fought out in a single stage. First was the battle to become the new leader in the King of the Mountains competition. That was decided in favor of Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek). Then there is the race to win the stage. That is about to be decided about seven minute further up the climb of the lower slopes of Mont Blanc. And then there is the race to decide who will wear the Maillot Jaune at the end of the day, and eventually at the end of the day in Paris. That was the race that these fans (and most of us) were most interested in. Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) was staying glued to the wheel of the guy in second place (although he is leader the best young rider competition) Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates). Pogacar was the one who still had a teammate to help with the final climb. Adam Yates road hard on the front making sure that Vingegaard couldn't attack. Plus he was used in a double bluff in hopes the Vingegaard would go deep in an attack. Just now Pogacar lets the wheel go to Yates, who rides up the road. The ploy was to make Vingegaard think Pogacar was on a bad day and get to the front an push the pace. This would set up a counter move by the guy in the Maillot Blanc. The Maillot Jaune didn't fall for it, but the announcing team on NBC did.