A few days ago, an Italian journalist spoke about the crisis of victories in nations that have long dominated the Tour, noting that there is a lack of reliable time-trial contenders and a waning sense of future hope. Cycling has become globalized; it is no longer a private playground for a select few. Any dedicated athlete who loves riding can aspire to become a great champion.
A historic moment occurred in the Giro when Biniam Girmay, a black cyclist, won a stage for the first time in a major race. It was a milestone never seen before. Twenty years earlier, during the Tour, Spanish journalists asked Manolo Saiz, then the well-known director of the ONCE team, why there were so few Black riders in that squad. The answer wasn’t simply about lack of opportunity. In the 1990s, Miguel Indurain is said to have convinced some that winning the Tour was possible for anyone who trained seriously, yet the cycling world still faced questions about representation, talent pipelines, and the evolving dynamics in a sport with a complex history. The notion that certain nations or groups could not compete at the highest level had to give way to a broader, more inclusive reality. Location.
Stage 19 of the Tour de France 2022: today’s route, profile and schedule
EFE
last time trial
It emerged that Ganna will be tested for the first time this Saturday, with a potential victory in the final time trial depending on the performance of the three leaders of this Tour: Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar, and Wout van Aert. On the other hand, a long history of runners from 1903—French, Spanish, and Italian—will head to Paris without a single stage win. The narrative of races across generations has often shifted the balance of power and expectations alike.
Spanish riders have grown accustomed to leaving the Tour without triumphs in stages since 2018, while France continues to grapple with a different storyline. Bernard Hinault won the Tour in 1985, yet French fans still chase a stage victory in Paris every year, sometimes with dramatic moments. Tom Pidcock raised his arms at the summit of Alpe d’Huez, symbolizing a fresh wave of talent entering the contest.
No Alaphilippe
France faced a period of misfortune when Julian Alaphilippe, a rider known for his aggressive style and stage ambitions, could not recover from a serious fall in Liège-Bastogne-Liège in April and watched the race from Andorra. In this context, the team has had to rely on other riders to push for a strong result, with David Gaudu finishing in fourth place overall as a standout.
Italy’s recent years have been challenging as well. Vincenzo Nibali, nicknamed Tiburon or Squalo from Messina, is retiring, and looking ahead, the terrain seems barren. Spain presents a contrasting picture. It shows a future, with young talents like Carlos Rodríguez and an earlier turn to Juan Ayuso illustrating a strategy of patience and restraint for emerging riders who could be the sport’s next stars. While Belgium continues to showcase its strength through the remarkable Wout van Aert, the landscape of the sport remains diverse and competitive in the nations that have long shaped cycling’s history.
A moment ago, an Italian journalist reflected again on the broader picture of victories in traditional powerhouses. The road forward, he suggested, lies in recognizing the value of preparation, seizing opportunities, and embracing a diverse, global talent pool. Cycling, in its nature, rewards those who train with discipline, love the sport, and chase the dream of becoming a champion.
A historic moment occurred in the Giro when Biniam Girmay, a black cyclist, won a stage for the first time in a major race. This milestone echoed a sentiment from the Tour era: the sport’s progress demanded inclusion and new voices at the highest levels. The ONCE era’s questions about representation were part of a broader dialogue about how nations and athletes could contribute to cycling’s evolving narrative. Location.
Stage 19 of the Tour de France 2022: today’s route, profile and schedule
EFE
last time trial
As the final test approaches, Ganna’s chances hinge on a combination of elite performance and strategic teamwork, with the potential to clinch victory in the last time trial if the favorites respond as expected. The field of riders, including veterans and rising talents, will push Paris-bound hopes to the limit as history of the sport continues to unfold before spectators around the world.
The overseas storylines intertwine with local fans’ passion across the nations that have for decades driven the sport’s journey. Spanish anticipation remains high as new talents mature, French perseverance moves forward, Italian resilience endures, and Belgian excellence persists through stars like Wout van Aert. The era of cycling’s champions continues to evolve, driven by a global, energized, and increasingly inclusive community of riders and supporters.