Refresh
They are not worrying about that simply but. They nonetheless have 24km to experience to make it to the end.
We had assumed that Bardet can be the DSM rider to take the glory at present, but when he and Van den Broek make it to the end collectively, will they dash towards one another? Or have an settlement about who takes the stage, and due to this fact the yellow jersey?
The DSM are taking dangers down this descent. With EF upping the tempo they could need to, however they do nonetheless have a giant lead of 1-37.
EF have modified their plan. With Healy going nowhere, they’ve taken over on the entrance of the peloton. We will count on a Bettiol assault shortly.
Bardet reaches the highest of the climb, and nonetheless Van den Broek is there! Bardet’s experience is extraordinary, however Van den Broek’s is arguably much more spectacular given he was dropped from the break earlier.
The three Visma riders behind Kelderman are Vingegaard, Jorgenson and Van Aert. Van Aert would possibly fancy his probabilities for a stage win, nevertheless it’s slipping away for them with Bardet nonetheless nearly two minutes forward.
30KM TO GO
A line of 4 Visma-Lease a Bike riders lead the peloton, adopted by six Ineos riders.
Healy had caught Madouas earlier, and now has dropped him on this climb. The Irishman is now third on the highway.
Wilco Kelderman is now taking it up for Visma-Lease a Bike. May they go in for the kill, and attempt to get rid of Juan Ayuso from GC rivalry?
It is trying good for Bardet for now, who has a lead of a minute over Healy and now 2 minutes on the peloton, and nonetheless has his teammate Van den Broek for firm.
They’re on the ultimate climb of the day, the Coté de San Marino. If we’ll see GC motion, or assaults from the peloton to attempt to catch these breakaway riders, they are going to have to take action right here.
As for Cavendish, he has been limiting his losses higher lately, and is about 20 minutes behind the peloton. Issues aren’t trying as perilous for him as earlier.
Behind the race, Fabio Jakobsen is now struggling much more than Cavendish. He is been dropped by the Astana riders, along with his teammate Bram Welten ready as much as assist.
Now Visma-Lease a Bike lead the peloton over the summit of the climb, 45 seconds after Healy. It isn’t a assure that they’ll being these riders again, particularly in the event that they preserve going at this tempo.
Ben Healy now reaches the highest, a minute behind the leaders.
Bardet reaches the highest, and he nonetheless has Van den Broek with him. That’ll be of assist as he pushes on throughout the descent to the foot of the following and remaining climb.
Juan Ayuso is struggling behind the peloton! This is able to clarify why UAE have eased off.
40KM TO GO
Visma-Lease a Bike are once more main the peloton up this climb. No matter plan UAE might need had, they seem like altering tune now and driving extra defensively.
Now Abrahamsen has to hope that Madouas cannot hold on to the 2 DSM riders for the remainder of this climb, in any other case the Frenchaman could take the polka-dot jersey as a substitute.
Abrahamsen is completed. The tempo from Van den Broek is an excessive amount of for him, and he is dropped from the lead group. It was a wonderful day for him nonetheless.
We assumed EF had been working for Bettiol earlier, nevertheless it appears their plan was multi-pronged.
Assault from Ben Healy! The Irishman makes his transfer simply because the peloton begins the climb.
Van den Broek has been put to work immediatley. He’ll bury himself now for Bardet, and stick with him for so long as potential.
Madouas and Abrahamsen begin the following, and day’s penultimate climb, and inside seconds have been joined by the 2 DSM riders.
They now have nearly 1-20 on the peloton, too. Bardet is in with an opportunity!
Bardet and Van den Broek are flying down the descent, and nearly with the main duo.
The leaders crest the climb, with Madouas taking the factors from Abrahamsen. The latter stays within the lead of the KOM just about.
Now he is reached his DSM teammate Van den Broek, who can set the tempo for him. This has changed into a really sensible ploy by Bardet and his workforce.
Gibbons is the following rider Bardet passes on his means in the direction of the highest of the climb.
Bardet can also be already 40 seconds forward of the peloton, who clearly aren’t fearful about letting him go.
Bardet is flying up this climb. He is simply handed Mohorič, and is closing down on the leaders, already simply 40 seconds behind.
50KM TO GO
Speaking of the break, it is splitting up on this climb. Gibbons and Mohorič have been dropped by the opposite three.
An fascinating transfer from the skilled French rider, who’s participating in his final ever Tour de France. With the break now simply 1-15 from the peloton, he would possibly really feel he can bridge the hole.
Assault from Romain Bardet!
The peloton would not seem like it has way more than 40 riders left in it.
Now UAE take management once more, with Sivakov resuming the pace-setting.
It isn’t UAE main on the strategy to this climb, however somewhat Ineos Grenadiers and Bora-Hansgrohe.
The break have began the following climb, Coté de San Leo. It is a steep one, averaging 7.7% for 4.8km.
Bike change wanted for Richard Carapaz within the peloton. This has been a greater begin to his Tour up to now than final 12 months’s, when he crashed and deserted on the very first day.
60KM TO GO
Ion Izagirre is now again within the peloton, which is now simply over minutes away from the break.
Buitrago is a part of a gaggle that has rejoined the peloton on the descent, nevertheless, together with Pedersen. However with three extra climbs to come back, he’ll need to recuperate quick if he is to not lose time.
Now even outdoors GC contenders are sturggling – Bahrain Victorious’ chief Santiago Buitrago has been dropped. That is a shock, as this terrain appears tailer-made for him.
By taking most factors Abrahamsen takes over from the dropped Ion Izagirre because the digital King of the Mountains. Valentin Madouas was second to the summit, that means he’s now third-place just about.
Extra massive names out the again of the peloton – Van der Poel and Pedersen. The tempo set by UAE on this climb is proving to be an excessive amount of for a lot of fancied for the stage win.
70KM TO GO
Abrahamsen sprints for the mountain factors, from far out.
It is really Pavel Sivakov who’s main for UAE, with Marc Soler ready within the wings. His work is quick bringing the break nearer.
Arnaud De Lie has additionally been dropped from the peloton with Stevie Williams. That is trying increasingly like a stage for the climbers than the puncheurs.
Enormous crowds greeting the break as they proceed up the climb, even a kilometres out from the summit.
Wellens has completed his flip, and now it is the flip of Marc Soler to take over for UAE.
Michael Matthews now dropped out the peloton, one other who might need fancied his probabilities.
Again within the break, Madouas is setting the tempo, and Izagirre has surprisingly been dropped in consequence.
Magnus Cort now being dropped, who had been thought-about an out of doors shout for the stage win.
Unhealthy information for David Gaudu, who’s slipping out the again of the peloton. He is been in dangerous kind going into the race, however would not have anticipated to endure this a lot. His GC hopes is likely to be over already.
Tim Wellens is the person main the peloton up the climb for UAE Staff Emirates.
Now UAE Staff Emirates take to the entrance. Is that this the start of their plan for at present?
The tempo is slower on the climb, although, the riders extra fascinated about being well-positioned then setting a tempo up it.
They hit the climb, and it is Ineos on the entrance.
That is essentially the most intense it has been within the peloton for the reason that breaks had been forming at the beginning of the day.
And the tempo is already up within the peloton as they strategy the foot of the climb. Numerous groups need premium place earlier than beginning it.
The leaders are on the climb now, starting it with a lead of 4-30. That is nonetheless a giant hole, however might disslve in a short time as soon as the peloton begin driving exhausting.
80KM TO GO
It is nonetheless EF Schooling-EasyPost main the peloton, led by Sean Quinn in his snazzy information American nationwide champion jersey.
You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the ongoing sitution with Mark Cavendish here, in what remains to be shaping out to be the story of the day.
The Tour has it is first abandonment – Michele Gazzoli. The Italian was one of many riders with Cavendish, and has clearly been having his personal issues.
90KM TO GO
100KM TO GO
Behind the race, Cavendish and the Astana riders have some firm now as Fabio Jakobsen and his DSM teammate Bram Welten, plus Jonas Rickaert of Alpecin-Deceuninck, drop again. That means he isn’t struggling uniquely, and will assist him survive the day.
We have had a primary crash on the highway at present, as Wilco Kelderman hits the deck. The TV cameras did not seize the incident, however he is simply been proven now rejoining the peloton, with some bandaging on his left elbow.
Izagirre launches a dash in the direction of the highest of the summit, and takes most factors once more. Abrahamsen is on his wheel for second, and appears irritated on the Basque, nevertheless it’s exhausting to inform why – he did not seem to do something unsuitable.
110KM TO GO
Pogačar is down a teammate, as Nils Politt is dropped. He has greater than sufficient safety to maintain him protected at present – actually, quickly we’ll be questioning if and when they’ll apply stress on the entrance of the peloton for a possible assault.
Extra sprinters going out the again now, together with Arnaud Demare and Jasper Philipsen. Philipsen could imagine it is job completed for the day having earned these intermediate dash factors.
Mechanical for Dorian Godon, who’ll have to chase again on on this climb.
Extra harm within the break, with Champoussin the newest to be dropped.
Steve Williams is making his means again into the peloton having fallen again with a mechanical.
Dylan Groenewegen is the newest sprinter to be dropped out of the peloton, on the present climb. He’ll be saving himself for stage three, more likely to be the primary bunch dash of the Tour.
Dujardin has been dropped from the lead group on this climb, having claimed most factors on the dash.
Three different riders additionally competed within the dash – Biniam Girmay, Bryan Coquard and Sam Bennett. It is particularly fascinating to see Bennett give it a go, given his wrestle for kind lately – he clearly believes he might be stronger this Tour.
Philipsen and Pedersen had been the highest two from final 12 months’s factors classification, and look set to do battle as soon as once more this 12 months.
Lidl-Trek lead out the peloton for the remaining factors out there within the intermediate dash, for Mads Pedersen. Pedersen was edged to the road by defending Philipsen, although.
Having completed that dash, the break are again climbing once more, this time the class three Cote de Carnaio (10.1km at 4.7%).
Abrahamsen and Dujardin each sprinted for it, with the latter popping out on prime. The actual curiosity will are available in a couple of minutes, after we see which sprinters have an interest within the factors classification.
120KM TO GO
Cavendish and his Astana teammates attain the highest of the climb, 5 minutes after the peloton. 2 climbs down, 5 to go.
There’s now about 4-30 between the peloton and Cavendish. The hole remains to be rising, however not exponentially, so he isn’t capitulating but.
The break reaches the highest, and the identical riders dash for it. Izagirre desires once more claimed maimum factors, forward of Abrahamsen after which Madouas.
The break is ultimately completed descending, and on the second climb now, Côte des Forche. It is a lot shorter than the earlier one, lasting solely 2.5km, however comparatively steep with a median of 6.7%.
130KM TO GO
Michael Mørkøv, Cees Bol, Davide Ballerini and Michele Gazzoli are the 4 riders with Cavendish. There current as a lot for emotional help as bodily help.
EF’s work is dangerous information for Cavendish, although, who’s now over three and a half minutes adrift. He faces one of many fights of his life to make the time restrict.
140KM TO GO
Vercher has been introduced again by the peloton.
Cavendish has simply been sick once more on the descent. He isn’t making any inroads, three minutes adrift from the peloton.
Cavendish is visibly unwell. He vomited on the bike close to the highest of his summit. He’ll be relieved to be descending once more, however desperately must recuperate quick with so many extra climbs to come back. For now, he seems in a world of ache.
150KM TO GO
He has 4 teammates with him attempting to encourage him, however is shaking his head and looking out dangerous. He’ll want to search out reserves of power from someplace or else his Tour is in peril.
Each time the digicam goes again to Cavendish, he’ having water poured over him. He is trying very uncomfortable.
The peloton now attain the highest of the climb. EF’s work has been sufficient to deliver the hole again down from six minutes to 5 minutes already.
Three and a half minutes after the leaders, Vercher crests the climb. It appears there isn’t any means he is making it again into that group.
Extra sprinters now being dropped out the peloton – Fabio Jakobsen and, extra surprisingly, Fernando Gaviria.
Izagirre took most factors, from Madouas and Abrahamsen. It wasn’t an all-out dash, however they’ve nonetheless proven intent.
The break attain the highest of the primary climb, and there is a tussle for the KOM factors…
They’re working for Alberto Bettiol, the recently-crowned Italian champion. What a narrative it will be for him to win on residence roads within the tricolore.
With the hole having grown to over six minutes, EF Schooling-EasyPost are the primary workforce to take issues into their very own fingers and lead the peloton.
Cavendish has his teammates round him, however he is 25 seconds off the peloton.
Mark Cavendish has been dropped out the peloton, and is struggling. The best way he’s dousing himself in water suggests he is likely to be struggling within the warmth.
Now that he is made it into the break ultimately, Abrahamsen wants maintaining a tally of. The Norwegian rider was a livewire final 12 months, attacking a number of instances, and has since confirmed himself a breakaway specialist.
160KM TO GO
The third standout title is Valentin Madouas, again in Groupama-FDJ colors having simply misplaced his French nationwide champion title. In contrast to the opposite two, he hasn’t earlier than gained a Tour stage, although has come shut with a second place end in 2022. He was wanting to get into the break at the beginning of the day, and can wish to benefit from it having succeeded.
The rider within the break with the most effective climbing credentials is Ion Izagirre. He’s not had the shape to be thought-about a risk on GC, therefore being allowed up the highway, however ought to nonetheless fancy his probabilities of dropping the remainder of the break come the later climbs.
So who’re the riders within the break? The headline title is Matej Mohorič, who final 12 months added a 3rd profession Tour stage win to his palmares. This sort of terrain fits him, although you might need anticipated him to carry again till later within the Tour, when breaks usually tend to succeed, to attempt his hand at a breakaway.
The tempo is basically off within the peloton now, permitting the hole to develop to 4-40. Somebody within the peloton should take management ultimately, if they’re to deliver this break again and contest for the stage, and the race’s first yellow jersey.
TotalEnergies consultant Vercher is being dropped from the break on the climb. The issue for riders from the wildcard groups like them on a day as powerful as at present is that, even when they reach making the break, staying in it’s no assure.
Gibbons and Abrahamsen have made the juncture, that means the lead group is now made up of 9 riders.
The break is climbing for the primary time at present, taking over the primary of seven hills. It’s nearly all both uphill or downhill till now and the end in Rimini.
First sighting of the world champion Mathieu van der Poel, nevertheless it’s out the again of the peloton. He is needing somebody to repair his radio.
170KM TO GO
Vingegaard is again safely within the peloton.
Abrahamson has Ryan Gibbons on his wheel, and the peloton appears comfortable to allow them to go clear.
Bike change for Jonas Vingegaard within the peloton – because of a mechanical, not a crash.
Uno-X Mobility aren’t completed but although – now Abrahamsen tries to rise up the highway.
The work from Lidl-Trek has introduced again the Uno-X Mobility duo.
Lidl-Trek riders at the moment are pulling within the peloton. That is an early sign of intent – do they fancy Mads Pedersen to handle to recover from the climbs at present?
Large crowds on the roadside because the riders go via Dicomano. The Italians have turned out in numbers to greet the Tour.
Rasmus Tiller and Odd Christian Eiking are the 2 Uno-X riders. They’re 15 seconds forward of the peloton, however nonetheless 1-20 behind the seven leaders.
180KM TO GO
As a substitute, they’ve fired two riders up the highway in a counter-attack.
They are not committing to main the peloton, both. The tempo is off once more.
Cort’s introduced again, and now considered one of his Uno-X teammates ups the tempo within the peloton. It is clear the workforce are sad about lacking the break, however they appear in blended minds as to what to do subsequent.
Magnus Cort jumped out of the peloton, however already appeared to have given up the ghost.
52 seconds now between the peloton and the seven leaders. If anybody desires to bridge, they are going to need to go now.
There have been some riders attempting to bridge as much as them, Gianni Vermeersch and Jonas Abrahamsen however they’ve been introduced again.
The group in full:
It is a sturdy group, too. Mohorič, Ion Izagirre and Valentin Madouas are all current.
47 seconds for this 7-man group – this definitely looks like the day’s break.
The tempo has slowed within the peloton – this is likely to be the break of the day.
Wout van Aert has his hand up behind the peloton. He is taking issues straightforward for now, however might be a contender for the stage later relying on how effectively recovered he’s from his damage.
190KM TO GO
It appears not – a flurry of counter-attacks from the peloton has seen every little thing come again collectively once more.
García Pierna now has seven riders with him on the entrance, and a handful of seconds on the peloton. May this be the break?
Raúl García Pierna has managed to flee and is out in entrance alone, with a small group behind him chasing.
The whole lot is again collectively once more within the peloton.
Jan Hirt is behind the peloton, and already struggling. What an unlucky begin to the Tour for him.
DSM is the best-represented workforce within the present main group, with two riders.
They’re introduced again, and a brand new group of 5 attempt their luck, with a Groupama-FDJ rider concerned once more.
A brand new group now attempting to clear, that includes Paul Lapeira, now very conspicuous in his tricolore jersey as newly topped French nationwide champion.
That transfer has been introduced again.
A gaggle of about ten now has the largest hole we have seen up to now, however even that’s just a few seconds.
Even fortmer podium finisher Romain Bardet is getting concerned within the assaults! That is removed from the standard suspects of wildcard groups and small names attempting to get into the break.
Stefan Küng can also be being vigorous on the entrance. Groupama-FDJ appear wanting to get into the break at present, and have their strongest males utilised.
After a pause of some moments, the assaults start, led by Groupama-FDJ’s Valentin Madouas.
205KM TO GO
A horrible begin to the Tour for Jan Hirt, even earlier than the unofficial begin. The Czech rider crashed on his means again to the workforce bus after signing on, breaking three of his tooth. Soudal-QuickStep workforce will want him to recuperate, as he’s set to be a key domestique within the mountains for Remco Evenepoel.
Now simply 4km till the official begin. Generally earlier Grand Tour phases could be characterised by how little riders wish to get into the break, however the quantity of climbing on the menu at present, and the prospect of every little thing from a Polka-dot jersey and fame on such a giant event, ought to imply there’s motion as soon as the flag drops quickly.
Nonetheless 10km left of the neutralised zone. The Tour de France is profiting from this distinctive Grand Départ.
Though there are not any climbs ranked greater than class two at present, there are quite a lot of them — seven in whole, amounting to three,600m elevation achieve in whole. It’s been described as one of many hardest begins to a Tour de France, and one which even many puncheurs will discover too exhausting.
Mark Cavendish is in good spirits, waving to the group because the peloton units off from the unofficial begin. He’s right here driving the fifteenth Tour of his profession, and is, as has been a lot mentioned, chasing the record-breaking thirty fifth win.
The riders have simply set off from the neutralised zone – the Tour is to start quickly! Not simply but, although, as they’ll spend longer than traditional within the zone than traditional as they savour the sights of Florence.
Observe our Instagram for on-the-ground updates in Florence and Rimini on our tales:
Ensure that to take a look at CN’s mega Grand Départ tech gallery, as shot and put collectively by our affiliate editor Josh Croxton, who’s on the bottom in Italy for the opening 3 phases:
Enormous reception for World Champion Mathieu van der Poel as he brings the rainbow bands to the Tour de France.
Simply half-hour till the départ fictif now in Florence. Reminder that it’s absolute scorcher at present in Tuscany so temperature regulation might be extremely vital.
Here is Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) arriving at the beginning of stage 1 on his sixteenth and remaining Tour de France.
Ensure that to meet up with this nice learn on the significance of the Italian Grand Départ, which honours the hometowns and coaching roads of Italian greats Gino Bartali, Marco Pantani and Fausto Coppi:
Fantastic reception for fan-favourite Mark Cavendish on stage in Florence, a spot pricey to his coronary heart. He is right here seeking stage win 35.
Reminder that though it’s a punchy day, Mathieu van der Poel would not see it was an possibility for himself of Jasper Philipsen:
Large crowds welcome the primary workforce on stage, TotalEnergies.
Groups have arrived in Florence and are gearing up for sign-on and the workforce presentation. Here is Visma-Lease a Bike and defending champion Jonas Vingegaard setting off from their workforce resort this morning.
To get issues began, ensure that to learn our preview of stage 1, written by considered one of CN’s workforce on the bottom on the Grand Départ, Dani Ostanek:
It is again, lastly! The largest bike race on the earth is about to begin and we’re getting the build-up began an hour and a half earlier than the riders set off from the neutralised begin in lovely Florence.
Bonjour and welcome to Cyclingnews stay protection of stage 1 of the 111th 2024 Tour de France!
