FOIX, France ( Associated Press) – Canadian cyclist Hugo Houle claimed an emotionally charged first grand Tour stage victory on Tuesday, while Jonas Winggaard remained in the overall lead of the Tour de France after a tough 16th stage run as the race hit the Pyrenees.
Haule attacked the final climb, the approach of top-class Mur de Peguerre, and stopped a group of chasers from the remnants of the breakaway to finish one minute, 10 seconds ahead of Valentin Madhaus and Israel-Premier Tech teammate Michael Woods. .
Howley had plenty of time to reach his arms to celebrate as he neared the line and pointed to the sky in memory of his brother Pierrick, who died in a drunk driving accident 10 years earlier.
“This is for my brother,” he can be heard saying as his team hugged him after a 178.5-kilometre (111-mile) leg from Carcassonne to Fox, which involved four graded climbs – including two Top-class climbers included.
Hawley, 31, had climbed the final climb with a 25-second advantage and his task was made easier when American cyclist Matteo Jorgensen – who was in second and hot pursuit at the time – slammed onto a corner, only to hit Woods. A realistic chance to catch up with your compatriots and teammates except.
It was only the second time a Canadian had won a stage at the Tour, and the first time in 34 years.
Two-time defending champion Tadej Pogsar tried to attack the Port de Leers climb several times – twice on the climb and again on the descent – but the wingguard remained at his wheel.
They crossed the line together and the wingguard held a 2:22 over Pogsar and 2:43 over 2018 champion Geraint Thomas.
Wednesday’s 17th stage is an even more difficult day in the Pyrenees with three top-graded climbs as well as a second-class climb, with a summit finish at the ski resort on the 129.7-kilometer (81-mile) route from Saint-Gaudens . Payragoods.
The Tour ends in Paris on Sunday.
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