A gesture of greatness in the Tour
Mexican Isaac Del Toro, 22, achieved his first stage victory in the Tour de France this Sunday. It was not the result of chance, but rather an act of sportsmanship by his teammate Tadej Pogacar, who gave him the victory in the second stage.
On the final 700 meter climb to the finish line, Del Toro attacked to leave Pogacar in position to win. But the Slovenian slowed down, put his arm on the rookie’s shoulder and let him cross first. The Mexican was speechless.
“I consider myself privileged. The entire team, the best in the world, gave me a lot of confidence. I can’t believe it,” declared Del Toro.
Belgian Remco Evenepoel was third and Jonas Vingegaard was fourth. The four clocked 3h40’01”, but bonuses reduced Vingegaard’s lead over Pogacar from 12 to 6 seconds overall. Vingegaard, leader after Saturday’s team time trial, maintains the yellow jersey.
“I am very satisfied. I’m simply going to enjoy every day that I have the yellow jersey,” said the Dane, two-time Tour champion.
The stage covered 168.5 km from Tarragona to Barcelona, with three climbs to Montjuïc Castle. Two escapees were neutralized 30 km from the finish line.
The third stage and the absence of the public
On Monday, the race reaches the mountains with 196 km from Granollers (Spain) to Les Angles (French Pyrenees). Includes the Category 1 ascent to Col de Toses (9.3 km at 6.5% slope).
However, there will be no roadside fans for the final 40km in France due to fires in the area. The prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales, Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, confirmed it: only accredited vehicles will be able to accompany the runners.
The duel between Pogacar (27 years old, winner in 2020 and 2021) and Vingegaard (29 years old, champion in 2022 and 2023) promises intensity. Pogacar comes from dominating the Tour de Suisse; Vingegaard, to win the Giro and the Vuelta. For now, the Mexican Del Toro stole the spotlight with a story of generosity and talent.
