Arensman achieves epic victory

Dutchman Thymen Arensman won the toughest stage of the Tour de France on Saturday after a long solo effort over colossal climbs, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar extended his lead in the general classification.

Arensman, who rides for the Ineos-Grenadiers team, achieved the most important victory of his career. After crossing the finish line in the dense fog that enveloped the Superbagnères ski resort, Arensman lay exhausted on the ground with his head in his hands.

“To be honest, I just wanted to experience the Tour, the greatest race in the world,” he said. “Now, to win a stage in my first Tour, and to do it this way, is incredible, crazy.”

He made a breakaway and went solo for approximately 37 kilometers to open up a comfortable lead before the finish. He began the final climb to Superbagnères, which is over 12 kilometers long, on his own and resisted the main contenders' attempts to charge back.

It was Arensman's second Grand Tour stage victory, having previously won a stage in the 2022 Vuelta a España.

On the prowl

With Arensman not posing a threat to the overall standings, Pogacar and his teammates controlled the race from the back, with the yellow jersey wearer and his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, around three minutes behind with eight kilometers remaining.

Vingegaard attempted a move with four kilometers to go and Pogacar responded with ease.

The two rivals kept a close eye on each other and Arensman crossed the summit first, more than a minute ahead of the duo.

Having won the previous two stages in the Pyrenees, Pogacar settled for second place. He accelerated in the final section to gain more time on Vingegaard, who completed the stage podium.

“We can be happy and satisfied with the Pyrenees,” Pogacar said. “We had a great stage today, riding at our own pace all day.”

In the general classification, Pogacar increased his lead over Vingegaard to four minutes and 13 seconds, followed by Florian Lipowitz, who is third, 7:53 off the pace after Remco Evenepoel retired.

Evenepoel, who was third overall, struggled from the start as the peloton faced another day of challenging climbs that have become part of the Tour's legend, including the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aspin, the Col de Peyresourde, and Superbagnères. The Olympic champion was dropped on the Tourmalet climb.

Evenepoel won the opening time trial but struggled in the Pyrenees. Although he struggled on Friday during the uphill run to Peyragudes, he managed to hold on to his third place, more than seven minutes behind Pogacar.