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As we arrive at the second rest day of the 2024 Tour de France, the race has once again lived up to expectations, delivering some of the most gripping racing we've seen. Week two saw the race enter the Pyrenees, which provided brutal climbs and high drama once again. Stage 11 saw two greats of modern cycling go head-to-head once again. UAE Team Emirates showed the strength in depth of their team, controlling the peloton expertly. As the riders reached the hardest climb of the day, the Mary Pas de Peyrol, Adam Yates set the pace for Pogacar to launch a fierce attack on his GC rivals. Pogacar reached the foot of the final climb with a 30 second lead over Vingegaard. However, the two-time defending champion showed true resilience to reel Pogacar back in. The two legends rode together to the finish line, where a game of cat and mouse unfolded. In the final moments, Pogacar launched his sprint, but Vingegaard matched his pace and pipped Pogacar to the line to claim a hard-fought stage victory.
The Tour de France finally entered the Pyrenees on Stage 14, with an opportunity for the GC riders to battle it out once again. UAE Team Emirates' Nils Politt delivered a monstrous display, working tirelessly to control the breakaway and ensuring the gap remained manageable. As the riders reached the foot of the hors catégorie climb up to the La d'Adet ski station the peloton was reduced to a point where only the strongest riders remained. UAE Team Emirates demonstrated tactical brilliance when Adam Yates attacked, gaining 15 seconds on the Maillot Jaune group, and offering Pogacar a weapon further up the road. With 4.5KM to go, Tadej Pogacar finally launched his attack, bridging the gap to his wingman Yates who helped pull his team leader further up the climb. Pogacar unleashed another acceleration, leaving all in his wake. Soaring up the mountain in typical Pogacar style, he crossed the line to take his second stage win of the 2024 Tour de France.
Stage 15 was one for the ages. Jonas Vingegaard and Visma Lease-a-Bike decided to put the pressure on UAE Team Emirates, setting a hard pace in the blistering heat throughout the day. This led to a reduced Yellow Jersey group on the road as Visma Lease-a-Bike threw everything they had at Tadej Pogacar. With 10.5KM to go, Vingegaard attacked, but Pogacar was glued to his wheel. 5KM later, Pogacar once again showed his intent this Tour de France and attacked Vingegaard. Just as it was on stage 14, the Dane was unable to follow. Pogacar crossed the line 1'08' ahead of Vingegaard, taking his 14th career stage win and expanding his lead in the general classification once again.
As the 2024 Tour de France reaches the business end of the race, UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogacar maintain a strong hold on the Yellow Jersey with a lead of 3'09' over Jonas Vingegaard. The final week will feature another summit finish on Wednesday before a ruthless final three days. Two more summit finishes will await the peloton before they reach Monaco, where they will be met with a mountainous time trial. The final week promises to be enthralling for all as Tadej Pogacar fights to etch his name into cycling history.
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