Primoz Roglic's Dominance at the Dauphiné
Slovenian cyclist Primoz Roglic from the Bora team secured his second victory in two days, showcasing his strength and strategic brilliance at the Critérium du Dauphiné. Roglic triumphed in the queen stage between Albertville and Samoëns 1600, covering a challenging 155.3 km. His decisive attack, just 350 meters from the finish, ensured his victory over Jorgenson, his closest rival in the general classification.
This victory is particularly significant for Roglic given his recent return from a severe fall in the Tour of the Basque Country. Demonstrating a powerful comeback, he has positioned himself as a strong contender for the upcoming Tour de France. Roglic’s team, Bora, played a pivotal role, with Russian cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov offering substantial support during the final climb. Roglic expressed his gratitude towards his team, emphasizing their dedication and control throughout the race.
A Tumultuous Day on the Dauphiné Descent
The race was not without incident. A severe crash on the descent of the Bel-Air, 21 kilometers from the finish line, affected numerous cyclists, including race leader Remco Evenepoel and favorite Roglic. The wet and slippery conditions led to a chain reaction of falls, with many riders hitting the asphalt or veering into the grass. The crash forced the evacuation of notable riders like Steven Kruijswijk and Dylan Van Baarle from the Visma team by ambulance.
Evenepoel recounted the chaotic scene, noting that many riders were vying for position when others began to slip in front of him, causing him to fall as well. Despite injuries, including a scratch on his shoulder and a blow to his head, Evenepoel reassured fans that he was in a relatively good condition and looked forward to the next stage.
The event led to the neutralization of the stage, with race organizers halting the competition due to the lack of available medical support. Among those impacted, Roglic managed to rise from the crash, check his condition, and continue cautiously to the finish. He expressed concern over his shoulder, which had been previously injured, but remained hopeful for a swift recovery.
As the Dauphiné progresses, the cyclists look ahead with determination, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the race and the physical demands it places on them.
- The Critérium du Dauphiné is seen by many as a key preparatory race for the Tour de France, offering a taste of the challenges that riders will face. This year's race has proven particularly dramatic due to both the intense competition and the treacherous weather conditions.
- Marc Soler, who will be one of Tadej Pogacar's key allies at UAE Emirates during the next Tour de France, had a significant solo raid but was eventually caught 2 km from the summit. This highlights the level of competition and the high stakes involved in this prestigious race.
