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Through the Tifosi TdF26-140
These three still had forty-four seconds on the fast-closing Tadej Pogacar as they forced their way through the throngs of fans with another five kilometers to climb. With everyone pressing so close, it was impossible for either Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) nor Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) to even think about passing Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious). At least, the leader of the trio was putting in a good pace prior to the four-kilometer banner when the barriers will hold the crowd back for the rest of the way to the summit of the Alpe d'Huez. This has often been described as a corridor of noise. I would add that it is one of fear as well. At any moment an over exuberant fan could fall into a rider or knock them off their bike (either intentionally or unintentionally). Fortunately, as far as I know that didn't happen anywhere on this iconic Tour de France mountain. And to think, we come back up to the summit from another direction tomorrow!