Cyclocross world champion Tom Pidcock conquered the iconic Alpe d’Huez climb on Bastille Day, taking a famous win in his Tour de France debut. The triumph also vaulted him up to eighth place in the GC. Chris Froome did well to place third. The GC skirmishing couldn’t match the excitement of Wednesday’s enthralling stage, but Geraint Thomas returned to a podium position. Jonas Vingegaard retained the yellow jersey.
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The Course
Thursday was all about three HC-rated climbs. The second trip up the Col du Galibier in two days was mild in slope compared to Wednesday: 23 km of 5.1 percent. In the middle of the 165.1-km route was the Col de la Croix de Fer, 29.1 km of 5.2 percent, its toughest gradients in the first half. Then came the legendary 21 hairpin turns of Alpe d’Huez, 13.9 km of 7.9 percent. It was another scorching day.
Galibier, Télégraphe, Croix de Fer and Alpe d’Huez.
Now that’s a #TDF2022 stage worthy of Bastille Day! pic.twitter.com/18apLGUkkM
— Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team (@qst_alphavinyl) July 14, 2022
It took a while for the day’s breakaway to form before and at the foot of the Galibier. Eight fellows got loose and Anthony Perez separated himself from the others on the mountain, tipping over just ahead of his breakmates and around 2:00 in front of the Jumbo-Visma-controlled peloton. Froome and Pidcock flared out from the peloton to join the breakaway.
On the way down Galibier the riders would re-visit the Col de Télégraph, which wasn’t categorized on Thursday. By the peak of the Télégraph, Perez had the company of eight other riders, including the British duo.
Col de la Croix de Fer
The fugitives had a 6:00 lead starting the second HC-rated climb of the day.
Climbing the longest ascent of the #TDF2022: Col de la Croix de Fer (29km, 5.2%).
Check out some of those gradients. pic.twitter.com/b0eurAAHUo
— Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team (@qst_alphavinyl) July 14, 2022
An injection of pace from Pidcock split the breakaway on the upper half of the ascent. Jumbo-Visma also sped up, shedding several riders including Michael Woods. Hugo Houle was the last Canadian to be put out the back; he’s still the top Canuck on GC, 42nd overnight.
Guilio Ciccone tipped over first and down the riders dropped towards the valley.
The 21 switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez
The crowds were ready for the arrival of…
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