Published on : 07/19/2024
On the offensive in the last two stages, the rider from Normandy did everything he could to stay in touch with the leaders. His tenacity, particularly on the ascent and descent of La Bonette, enabled him to stay in ambush. He finished the stage in the top 20 (19th) and retained his position as 1st French rider and 13th overall.
And to think that they have already covered 19 stages, crossed northern Italy and part of France, and that the repetition of efforts has already been very trying! And yet, they had to hold on throughout this day, which is hard to describe. The stage was short but incredibly difficult, with three passes and 144.6km to defy gravity.
Martin was in the right tempo
After two days of trying his luck in the breakaways, Guillaume Martin admitted yesterday that he ‘didn't have a good feeling’. He knew that today's challenge would be tricky, but he was determined to give it his all. The rider from Normandy remained attentive at the start of the stage, well placed in the peloton with his team-mates. Gradually, he had to work hard to resist the accelerations and attacks in the peloton.
On the foothills of the cime de la Bonette, he hung on, battled and worked hard to keep up with the best. He finished in Isola 2000 9 min 38 sec behind Tadej Pogacar in 19th place. This is the 12th time since the start of the Tour de France that he has finished in the top 20. His consistency is reflected in the overall classification: he is 13th overall and 1st Frenchman, 30 min 26 sec behind the Slovenian.
THE REACTION
Guillaume Martin:
‘It was really tough today. It was expected, it was the queen stage and I really experienced it as such. On the Bonette, I managed to come back thanks to a good descent. After all the effort I'd put in over the last few days, I really had to hang in there. As the stages are very tough, it's normal that there are big gaps. I'm going to do everything I can to keep up the same pace tomorrow!
THE NEXT STAGE
Nice - Col de la Couillole (132.8 km)
Tomorrow, the peloton does it again. In the Tour, when it's all over, it's still there! This Saturday's stage will be very similar to today's. It will also be short. It will also be short (132.8km) and marked by four climbs. There will be the pass that is the joy of rally drivers (the Turini) as well as the Col de Brause, the Colmiane before a finish at the summit of the Col de la Couillole. You'll still have to put up some serious resistance throughout the day. A vital condition before a final day, between Monaco and Nice, to conclude this Tour de France in style.