Thymen Arensman delivers Tour de France relief for Ineos as Tadej Pogacar grows lead in yellow jersey
Tadej Pogacar retained the leader's yellow jersey as he took second place by beating chief rival Jonas Vingegaard, in a two-man sprint finish 1min 12sec behind Dutch rider Arensman.
Defending champion Pogacar extended his lead over Dane Vingegaard in the general classification by six seconds to 4min 13sec at the end of the Pyrenean stage.
The day belonged to Arensman, however, as the Dutchman went solo from the day's breakaway in the penultimate climb to the Col de Peyresourde (7.1 km at 7.8%) before his team car hit and knocked down a spectator amid the usual roadside chaos on the Tour.
Arensman never looked back and held firm on his way up to Superbagneres (12.4 km at 7.3%).
"I can't really believe it,' said Arensman. 'Going to my first Tour, I just wanted to experience everything. I had to be really patient the first week because it was really bunchy until the mountains. Then the first opportunity I got I was second on stage 10. It was already an amazing experience on my first Tour but this is unbelievable.'
His Ineos teammate Geraint Thomas said: 'It's great for Thymen and great for the team, I'm super happy. It will relieve a bit of pressure [on the team], we have been there or thereabouts and it hasn't quite clicked, but we have certainly been trying all the time, so it's great to get the win.'
Vingegaard attacked several times in an attempt to drop Pogacar on the final climb. But the world champion did not flinch and easily beat his rival in the final metres to further cement his domination with bonus seconds.
The race moves on to flatter ground on Sunday with a hilly route that could set up a bunch sprint at the finish in Carcassonne.
'I am glad [to see the back of the Pyrenees],' said Thomas, who retires this year. 'I don't think I'll be riding much here again! I'll come here on holiday with a few beers, but not riding.'
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Times
8 hours ago
- Times
Ineos carer linked to doping doctor worked at Man United last year
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The Guardian
8 hours ago
- The Guardian
Ineos carer worked at Manchester United before ‘anti-doping questions'
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Sunday Post
8 hours ago
- Sunday Post
Travel: Cycling Tour de France's iconic trails
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up You did well. Especially in those cargo shorts,' says Olympic cyclist Elinor Barker as I clamber to the top of the Col de l'Échelle in the southern French Alps. Although my clothing choices leave a lot to be desired, climbing a route once used by the famed Tour de France is certainly something I am glad to add to my sporting bucket list. At 1,726m, the treeline clearing that once marked the official border between France and Italy now plays host in the summer months to groups of cyclists climbing the famous peaks of the Hautes Alpes. © Supplied by Tim Clark At a stall put on by the local arrondissement someone hands me a green Tournée des Grands Cols passport and stamps my climb, making it official. Another hands me a slice of watermelon as other riders arrive, caked in sweat and smiles. 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At 1,300m up, the thermometer reaches a milder 23C. © Supplied by Tim Clark I'm thankful for the lower heat as I make a short climb on a mountain bike. The intermediate class is made up of a mix of teens and extended families. The guide stops at mountain springs along the route, stops for pictures and weaves along riverside paths. It's a challenge, but for those who are less fit, e-bike options are available. 'The thing about Serre Chevalier is that it has access to five valleys, all of them unique, all offering something different,' says Claude, a Belgian who has been visiting the Serre Chevalier's Club Med with his wife for 15 of the last 20 years. Claude says he visits Serre Chevalier because of the unique flora and fauna in each of the local valleys. The all-inclusive food option is also a bonus. For those who enjoy all inclusive, Club Med has become known as dependable. It has the kind of buffet that includes nine types of salt, for example, meaning even the pickiest eaters can find something they like. © Supplied by Tim Clark Although it is not the cheapest holiday, the real value lies in the excursions that are included. Each day I could book a different bike – with e-bikes, road and mountain bikes on offer – nab a helmet and gloves, ride off on an organised excursion and be back in time for lunch. Factfile Seven nights' all-inclusive stay at Club Med Serre-Chevalier, French Alps from £1,513 per adult (based on double occupancy). Price based on departure in July 2025. Book at
