Highlights: Pogacar routs rivals again on Stage 10
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The 166.6km Bastille Day stage from Aurillac to Le Lioran was one of the toughest tests of the opening half of the race, featuring a succession of climbs through the Massif Central, including Puy Mary and Col de Pertus, before Tadej Pogacar launched a decisive attack to claim victory and extend his grip on the yellow jersey.
Pidcock, riding for Pinarello-Q36.5, was among several riders affected by crashes during the demanding stage.
The Briton said he lost grip on a corner where sections of the road had been treated with a white coating designed to protect the asphalt from extreme temperatures.
After crossing the finish line, Pidcock said he was caught out by the treated sections of road and lost control in a corner.
“I was not really expecting it. I think I don’t know what they do with the roads here. When they clean it, they put this white s*** all over it, and it’s really slippery.” Pidcock said.
“So I just fell in the middle of the corner and had to chase. I think in the end it didn’t affect us too much.”
Although the crash did not appear to derail his race on Tuesday, Pidcock’s comments have highlighted another challenge created by the extreme heat affecting this year’s Le Tour.
Watch ‘unusual’ incident as Pidcock crashes on descent
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The road treatments are intended to preserve the racing surface, but the incident has raised questions over whether those measures can create new hazards for riders pushing the limits at high speed.
The white coating applied to sections of asphalt is designed to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures by reflecting sunlight and preventing the road surface from becoming unstable.
However, the treatment can also alter grip, particularly if residue remains on the road, creating additional risks on fast descents.
Visibly irritated, Pidcock admitted he would only know the full extent of the crash once the effects of the adrenaline had faded, but he was hopeful the damage was limited.
Pidcock puzzled by ‘s***’ on road that caused crash
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”I’m fine now, but we’ll see later when the adrenaline wears off, but I think I’m alright,” he continued.
“It’s going to be a bit annoying. I don’t think I’ve ever crashed in a Grand Tour before, so now it’s going to be a new experience.
“It’s now about sleeping, trying to recover with a few cuts but I don’t think it’s too bad. It’s alright.”
Despite the setback, the British rider remained positive about his performance, finishing ninth on the stage just under two minutes behind winner Pogacar, moving into 10th overall.
‘My legs are getting better and better’ – Vingegaard positive despite losing more time to Pogacar
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Pidcock said he felt he was beginning to find stronger form and enjoyed racing closer to the front.
”It was pretty good, I think,” the Brit reflected on the stage as a whole. “I just missed out the front group. We’ll disregard Pogacar, shall we? But I’m getting a bit stronger.
“I couldn’t hold with Isaac [del Toro] there on the final climb, but it was good. Racing at the front, fast day.”
Pidcock added that being able to compete rather than simply endure the race had made the experience more enjoyable.
”I felt comfortable really until the final there, and you know it’s a bit more enjoyable when you’re not one of the ones suffering all day.”
Stage 10 results
- Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 3hrs 58mins 8secs
- Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +32secs
- Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) +34secs
- Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) Same time
- Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +38secs
- Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) Same time
- Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +44secs
- Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1min 31secs
- Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) +1:59
- Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +2:03
General classification after stage 10
- Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 36hrs 15mins 2secs
- Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +3mins 36secs
- Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +4:06
- Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +4:22
- Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) +4:35
- Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +4:44
- Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +5:08
- Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +5:45
- Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +6:34
- Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) +11:49
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