This time, she is his and no one else's.
Belgian Jasper Philipsen won the 15th stage of the Tour de France between Rodez and Carcassonne.
The sprinter from Alpecin-Deceuninck won by a thread ahead of Wout Van Aert and Mads Pedersen after a scorching day.
This is his first victory in the Grande Boucle.
Two weeks ago, he had raised his arms by mistake during the 4th stage, before realizing that Van Aert had in fact already been there for a handful of seconds.
Meanwhile, the French contingent still leaves empty-handed.
However, we have never believed in it as much as this Sunday.
Benjamin Thomas, 26, was caught less than 500m from the line.
What a pity for the Cofidis rider and for the northern team who dreamed of a new success on the Tour, 14 years later.
Starting 25 km from the end of the race, he dropped his compatriot Alexis Gougeard 4 km from the end (B&B-KTM) and attempted an incredible solo raid.
In vain.
The sprinter teams did not give him the opportunity to spoil one of the only stages promised to them on this Tour.
🏆🇧🇪 @JasperPhilipsen wins in Carcassonne!
🏆🇧🇪 @JasperPhilipsen wins in Carcassonne!#TDF2022 pic.twitter.com/mAuf92ZM44
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 17, 2022
We do not make gifts on the Tour de France.
And this stage, which was announced as calm given the extreme heat, was indeed eventful.
The Jumbo Visma experienced another difficult day, after the cobblestone misadventure between Lille and Arenberg.
Steven Kruijswijk gave up on a fall then saw his leader Vingegaard go to the ground five minutes later, fortunately without gravity.
As a reminder, even before the start, Roglic had withdrawn.
The worst part is that the day is still far from over.
The peloton passes this Sunday evening through the swab box, an obligatory stage before each day of rest.
No positive case had been detected during the first massive screening in Châtel seven days ago.
How many will be leaving Carcassonne on Tuesday towards Foix, towards the Pyrenees?
Answer Monday.
