The French Thibaut Pinot (Groupama) has imposed its own alone on seventh stage of the Tour of Switzerlanddisputed between Ambri and Malbun, of 194.6 km, queen’s day where the Colombian Sergio Higuita (Bora Hansgrohe) wore the leader’s yellow jersey in the absence of the final test in time.
Pinot (Lure, 32 years old) was the strongest and cunning of the many escapes that marked the day of the mountains, reaching the last climb to Melbun with a lead of more than 3 minutes that they were able to maintain against the pressure of the groups. of favorites.
The French cyclist returned to his best version, gained strength and experience and was able to emerge alone at the top in a time of 5:06:39, followed by the Spanish Oscar Rodriguez (Movistar), 26 seconds away and from Kazakh Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) to 38.
Favorites were urged to attack, especially the new leader, Sergio Higuita. The cyclist from Medellín stormed the last section of the climb, 2 meters from the finish line, and opened a gap that led to him in the yellow jersey. He crossed the line at 1.19 behind Pinot, while Geraint Thomas (Ineos) made it to 1.30 and Jakob Fuglsang at 1.48, losing command overall.
In the absence of a time trial this Sunday, Higuita is just 2-seconds ahead of Thomas, who has become a big favorite to win the round, as long as he can defend 17 seconds ahead of Fuglsang.
The leak was formed on the way to the Lukmanierpass (18 km at 5.5%). On the climb, 14 men remained from the initial 20, including Pinot, Óscar Rodríguez, Ion Izagirre, Lutsenko … a great team for the adventure that passed the top with a 7 minute lead.
After the drop, Ineos and Israel Premier Tech acted on the matter to reduce the escape. The rebels did not panic and passed Flims pass (5.2 km to 6.2%) and St. Luzisteig (3 km to 7%). Teamwork is very important.
The moment of truth came with the climb to Malbun (space category, 12.8 km at 8.4%. Lutsenko immediately attacked with a response from Izagirre, who was left alone after an acceleration. Pinot saw his goal. in danger and launched in search for Gipuzkoan, who was caught and overtaken by the unruly Pinot, who did not give up until the finish line, where he once again savored the glory.
In the favorites sector, Bora prepared for Higuita’s takeoff, and the Colombian took advantage of the 12 percent ramp to fly toward the finish, counting every second to reach the yellow jersey. Neither Thomas nor Fuglsang could answer. It may be a short-term dream for Higuita, but the 24-year-old will be king within a day. The Vaduz time trial will decide.
This Sunday the eighth and final stage in the individual time trial modality is contested with a 25.6 km route starting and ending in Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Source: La Verdad
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