Among its many qualities, versatility is the characteristic that gives rise to Tadej Pogacar to dominate in all terrains and be one of the most complete cyclists of all time. This versatility allows it to impose its superiority on any route: in the mountains, on cobblestones, in time trials and also in sprints. During the second stage, and against an accomplished sprinter like Dorian Godonthe Slovenian was able to display his top speed in a ‘volata’ whose options were fewer than those of the Frenchman.
However, after the disappointment of the last stage, Godon took the exit with the firm conviction to redeem oneself in a finale suitable for sprinters. Near Orbe, the runner – who had dropped out in Mollendruz – gathered his self-esteem to link up again and face the sprint with full guarantees. No sooner said than done: fifth victory of the season and second on Roman soil.
The stage began with a third-class port to whet your appetite: Suchy (2.1 km at 5.9%). Taking advantage of that broken ground, The attacks became a constanttrying to shape a getaway that, finally, managed to come together thanks to a group of seven cyclists. The cooperation of the septet was bearing fruit with the passing of the kilometers; For this reason, the difference quickly exceeded about 2.45” in income, which stabilized throughout the entire halfway point of the test.
A pace not too demanding
UAE Team Emiratesaware that he had to impose a demanding pace to toughen the race, put one more gear a few kilometers before beginning the ascent to Oulens-sur-Echallens (4.2 km at 3.3%). However, before the third crossing the finish line, three runners from the breakaway fell on one of the roundabouts near Orbe; however, The fall was not seriousallowing the injured trio to reconnect.
Already on the first ramps of the Col du Mollendruzthe UAE set a very high pace with Domen Novak which allowed the group of favorites to cut a significant difference with respect to the breakaway, the one in which Damiano Caruso He had managed to leave alone. Aware that the ‘tempo’ was not hard enough, the Red Bull – BORA, with Dani Martínezfirst, and Primoz RoglicThen he decided to toughen it even more. Dorian Godon relented.
The tension that was perceived at the beginning of the ascent was not reflected in the decisive part, since none of the men in the general classification decided to attack in said mountainous difficulty. Therefore, Carusowho was still at the head of the race taking advantage of his reading, was able to maintain a lead of 1’00” at the top. He allowed himself to dream. The ‘tempo’ in the peloton was not too demanding; therefore, Godonwith the invaluable help of his colleagues, He re-entered the group of favorites.
Cras and Steinhauserwho had neutralized the Italian in the final stretch, put the group in trouble. There, INEOS and Lidl-Trek took responsibility and tried to ruin the escape. Once the leaks have been absorbed, Grossschartner managed to open a small hole, forcing Godon to react to close it. Pogacar was already preparing his attack, while Castrillo tried without success. Finally, asserting his status as favorite, The Frenchman claimed his second victory in the Tour de Romandieequaling the record of Pogacar. Next to nothing.
