At only six kilometres into the second stage in the Alps at the Tour, a big crash forced the jury to neutralise the race for 30min. Unfortunately, Jai Hindley was one of the riders who hit the deck, but was able to continue without any major injuries. When the race was restarted another incredible battle for the stage win ensued. No break was given any major gap and on the penultimate climb a select group of favourites was at the front. At this stage, Jai Hindley was still part of the leading group while Emanuel Buchmann was already dropped. On the Col de Joux Plane the pace became furious and when only 6 riders were at the front Jai was no longer in contention with about six kilometres to the top. Despite an incredible fighting spirit, Jai lost 1:46 to C. Rodriguez who took the victory today and is now 3rd in GC, only one second ahead of Jai.
Results
01 C. Rodriguez 3:58:45
02 T. Pogacar +0:05
03 J. Vingegaard +0:05
06 J. Hindley +1:46
From the finish line
“After the crash I was in pain throughout the day. I don’t think it is too serious, perhaps more some muscular issue. I suffered a lot, especially out of the saddle. Of course, it’s far from ideal on a day like this, but that’s bike racing. Given the circumstances I think I did ok and I am quite happy with how I went. Now I have to see how I can recover for tomorrow.” – Jai Hindley
“The level is that high that every single detail is important. If you don’t drink enough, you get dropped. If you overheat, you get dropped. If you crash in the beginning, it is of course not an ideal scenario. At the end of the day, I think Jai still managed the stage very well. He had to fight hard but paced himself well. We are now more or less at the same time with Rodriguez. Today, luck was not on our side, but I hope tomorrow will be different again.” – Enrico Gasparotto, Sports Director