All at once, the sky seemed to drop on Jonas Vingegaard as if a Tour victory could slip away on a Saturday. He had been generous with his final time trial, nudging the pace just enough to keep the yellow jersey close, even as Jumbo-Visma appeared unbeatable. That dream team of the Grande Boucle 2022 clung to the leader, even when the road turned rough, and it became clear that defending the jersey would require effort from Tuesday onward through the Pyrenees.
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The ongoing hunt for Tour glory has another chapter with Primož Roglič, a constant threat who won the Vuelta with calm precision, stepping back this Sunday after becoming a planner of sorts. He pressed the Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar on a historic stage last Wednesday, while Vingegaard seized the day and took the lead in yellow. Roglič pushed the pace with early attacks, yet Vingegaard remained steadfast, especially near the outskirts of Galibier. A rough cobblestone moment later reminded spectators that the race can flip in a heartbeat. A year earlier, a stage-three crash forced him to regroup in Slovenia before heading to the Vuelta and the Alpine ascent.
The Tour Moves On
There are moments when Tour fatigue sits in the stomach, stubborn and unyielding. Roglič faced that truth. From the top, Jumbo’s leadership carried weight; Vingegaard pressed forward, guiding the pacing of the race as it edged into the Pyrenees. The yellow jersey remained in their sights, even as a shade of struggle settled over the squad. It was a difficult day for the team on Danish soil—the kind of setback that tests resolve rather than announces defeat.
@JumboVismaYol and @TiesjBenoot found themselves back in the mix, both attempting to rebound after missteps and discomfort. The mood on social channels reflected a team in the middle of a tough stage, with moments of reflection and renewed drive as the race pressed on.
Another veteran in the mix, Steven Kruisjwijk, known for his resilience on climbs, rose into focus. He pushed from the back of the field, trying to deplete rivals and force Pogacar to chase. It was a reminder that the Giro winner in 2016 could still influence the outcome, even as the leaders shaped the course for the final week. The dynamics on the hills required careful positioning and patience, as Kuus and others guarded the yellow jersey with vigilance.
Against the backdrop of the Pyrenees, discussions swirled about the odds and the odds-makers. Vingegaard faced a daunting climb into the heart of the range, with the team leveraging every kilometer to keep the momentum. Meanwhile, talk of bold moves and late-stage drama painted a picture of an event where a single sprint or summit led to a sea of shifts and upsets. The day finished with a sense that the Tour’s story had more chapters to write, even as fans watched and cheered for a Belgian sprint win from Jasper Phillipsen and other contenders.
Everybody on the Ground
Phase 15 marked a milestone in the PTO 2022 schedule, with the race racing onward toward the heart of the circuit. The day’s energy filled the air as riders pressed through heat and wind, the crowd’s sound rising like cicadas and mingling with the rhythm of the wheels. A few riders, including Kruisjwijk, van Aert, and Benoot, faced mishaps, yet the race carried on. Pogacar remained steadfast in commentary, noting that the coming week would bring further intrigue and challenge as the field moved toward Carcassonne, its surroundings, and Narbonne. The Tour remained the central focus for riders and fans alike.
As the day unfolded, Vingegaard and the Jumbo squad found themselves in a moment of trial. The race’s course, the weather, and the relentless pace all combined to shape a narrative where no one could afford to ease up. The path ahead promised additional tests, and competitors prepared to meet them head-on as the Tour forged toward its climactic finish.