Greig Leach

Working in the moment means I didn't realize this is the third title from this stage that starts with the word, "looking." Oh well, so it goes. At the base of the Col de Marie Blanque the duo of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and his shadow, Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) were rejoined by an elite group of chasers. Most importantly for Pogacar, his teammate in the Maillot Jaune, Adam Yates, was now here to help limit his losses to the fleeing Jonas Vingegaard. Also riding for their own interests, that just so happened to coincide with those of the man in the Maillot Blance where the French Champion, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) and his team leader David Gaudu, along with Yates' twin brother Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula), Carlos Rodriquez (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek). Three of these guys have teammates up the road, so Kuss, Rodriguez, and Skjelmose all won't be aiding in the chase. It should be noted that the last time Adam Yates held the Maillot Jaune for four days he lost it on the stage that included the Col de Marie Blanque. Unfortunatley for the co-leader of UAE Team Emirates, history did repeat itself today. Not the best day for his team. Both of the Yates brothers and Pogacar dropped four places on the general classification, but at least Pogacar held onto his lead in the Maillot Blanc by 16 seconds.