Finish big. Thibaut Pinot, the Groupama-FDJ team climber on the Tour de France, is finishing his last Grande Boucle. So for “his” race, the last of the 2023 edition which takes place near his home, the cyclist has decided to attack, and drop off all his competitors. He took it well, it made it possible to give images that will remain etched in the memories of cycling lovers.
Because the Petit Ballon, a pass in the race, was in the colors of Thibaut Pinot. So when the Franc-Comtois tumbled in the lead, the whole valley started to support him.
The climber cutting through a conquered crowd, alone in the lead: whatever the result of this stage, or even of this Tour de France, it is certainly the image that will remain of this 2023 edition.
???????????????????? “???????????? ??????????”! What communion in the Petit Ballon to celebrate Thibaut Pinot, who goes alone in the lead ??
Will Thibaut Pinot be able to resist his pursuers, with the yellow jersey Vingegaard and Pogacar among others? The Frenchman is capable of it, he has already demonstrated it during his career. But the Platzerwasel, the last pass of the race at 8.4% (against 8.1% for the Petit Ballon), seems too hard for the climber.
During the last climb, the Frenchman was overtaken by the yellow jersey group, which seems to want to cut short any discussion and show that he is the boss of the Grande Boucle.
The fact remains that the big star of this stage, on the sides of the road as well as for the viewers, will remain Thibaut Pinot.
