Team Sunweb’s Warren Barguil, out of contention for the race lead, nonetheless survived a heroic escape on the slopes of the Col d’Izoard to win Stage 18 of the 2017 Tour de France. Barguil and Darwin Atapuma were the last survivors of a breakaway that definitely showed that there are still riders that can challenge Chris Froome’s dominance.
After Team Sunweb delivered Barguil to the bottom of the Col de l’Izoard in prime position, the Frenchman was able to ride alongside the group of favourites before launching a powerful attack. Arguably the hardest climb of this year’s Tour de France, Barguil was not phased and made the finale his own. Pacing his climb to perfection he flew past the breakaway remnants and soon made contact with the front of the race. With the finish line in sight Barguil continued in his quest to the line on his Giant TCR Advanced SL to take his second stage victory at the Tour de France, Team Sunweb’s fourth.
“This is really fantastic, I can’t believe it,” said Barguil after the finish. “It’s really a dream to take another win. I wanted to take some extra time in the GC so I just rode my own climb and paced myself to the top. I managed to close to the leader and then when I still had the legs left, I continued to the line. It’s brilliant for us to have four stage victories now, it’s unbelievable.”
“The focus today was for Warren to try to move up a place in the general classification and then potentially go for the stage victory,” explained Team Sunweb’s Tour de France coach Aike Visbeek (NED). “Warren was feeling good and the team positioned him well before the climb. He timed his attack perfectly, just before the other GC contenders would follow him which meant he had more time to take an advantage. We are extremely proud. This is some really tactical, smart riding and it’s great to build on our earlier successes in the race. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum into Paris.”
Barguil ended up crossing the line 20 seconds ahead of Froome. Froome will keep the race lead, but 2017 will definitely go down as one of the most competitive races in Tour de France.
Stage 18 Brief Results:
- Warren Barguil (France / Team Sunweb) 4:40:33″
- Darwin Atapuma (Colombia / UAE Team Emirates) +20″
- Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale)
- Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky)
- Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale-Drapac) +22″
- Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) +32″
- Louis Meintjes (South Africa / UAE Team Emirates) +37″
- Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step Floors) +39″
- Simon Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) +59″
- Alberto Contador (Spain / Trek-Segafredo) +1:09
General Classification After Stage 18:
- Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 78:08:19″
- Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale) +23″
- Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale-Drapac) +29″
- Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) +1:36″
- Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) +1:55″
- Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step Floors) +2:56″
- Simon Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) +4:46″
- Louis Meintjes (South Africa / UAE Team Emirates) +6:52″
- Warren Barguil (France / Team Sunweb) +8:22″
- Alberto Contador (Spain / Trek-Segafredo) +8:34″
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor