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By Luke Maguire
Geraint Thomas checked the last mountain event on the Tour de France and took another six seconds to extend his lead in yellow while his teammate Sky Chris slipped off the podium two days from Paris . 19659003] A time trial is now all that stands between Thomas and the victory at the Tour de France. At the end of the 31 kilometers of hilly terrain today between Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Espelette, we will know tomorrow who will wear yellow in Paris.
"I hope to be able to sleep tonight," Thomas said. "It was a great day today and I am happy to have checked it."
Thomas has never been closer to such a victory in his career on the road, but the double Olympic team pursuit champion is no stranger "
" I think it's a bit like the London Olympic Finals, "he said.
"It was a big voltage the day before, but at least it's a bit tidy. Obviously, it boils down to tomorrow. I think I can just get confidence in my driving, recover the best possible and what will be tomorrow. "
Primoz Roglic won yesterday the 19th stage in Laruns 19 seconds, which is enough to propel Slovenian over Froome to the third overall place in the decisive time trial.
" What then I say? It's crazy – obviously I've had legs today, "said Roglic (LottoNL-Jumbo) after winning his first stage victory of the Tour de France with a downhill attack
Roglic, former world champion in junior ski jumping, good use because he was timed at speeds of up to 90 km / h while he was away from the field when descending the pass This victory not only allowed him to win, but by winning on the podium, Froome was fourth
Thomas was second on the stage, Dan Martin ( United Arab Emirates) finished fourth, sprinting in a group of selected climbers, including the yellow yellow jersey of Thomas (Sky).
The promise of a second stage victory prompted the Irish to push for the last climb, but his efforts proved futile since Roglic disappeared of the group in the winding descent.
"It's a shame we can not go to the stage win," Martin said. "It was in my head and that 's why I have stood so long in the climb.It was a little dubious to go in the fog, but that' s it. is what makes the Tour.
"I did not know that it was a head wind sprint, maybe I could have been second, but Roglic managed far in the right part down the Aubisque pass and we just could not pull it off, "said Martin, before swallowing a bottle of water at one time, visibly exhausted by his efforts. [19659004] It was an eventful turn for Martin, who had the best of victory on Stage 6 and the cruel crash only two days later, which hindered his overall victory ambitions. acknowledged that it was a long, hard fight of three weeks.
"It was a hard day for everyone.This is a group of very tired men who are trying to ride a bike. All this is part of the attack and the aggression. When we think about it, it probably looks like it was fun, but I am very, very tired right now. "
The perseverance of the Irish has paid off – with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) wasting time due to After a fall at the 17th stage, Martin climbed out of the way. a place in 8th place, at 6'39 of the leader of the race Geraint Thomas
Thomas was attacked on the last climb, Tom Domoulin and the duo LottoNL-Jumbo Primoz Roglic and Steven Krujswijk tried several times to put distance between them and the yellow jersey.These attacks eventually ended up being futile with Thomas taking them off.
If Thomas can keep his cool and make a respectable time trial today. He will be crowned the first Welsh winner of the Tour de France tomorrow in Paris
closer, but we still have a day.I have to make a very good TT now.I have a nice advantage, but I still have to be on the ball and make a good time trial, and we'll see, "said the pilot Originally from Cardiff
Today, the riders are facing a 31 kilometer test race, which will be the last chance for the riders to move up the standings before the final leg of the ceremony in Paris on Sunday.
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