Tadej Pogačar faced a tough moment during stage 11 of the Tour de France when he crashed just 4km from the finish in Toulouse. Luckily, he was unhurt and didn’t lose his spot in the general classification.
The crash happened when another rider swerved and clipped Pogačar’s wheel. He described the incident, saying, “I saw the sidewalk coming up fast, but I must have tough skin.” After the fall, he got back up and finished alongside his main competitors for the yellow jersey.
What stood out was the sportsmanship displayed by his rivals. They slowed down to allow him to catch up, which he greatly appreciated. “Big respect to everyone in front,” Pogačar noted. “Even when the race was intense, they played fair.”
UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Mauro Gianetti echoed this sentiment. He remarked, “It was special that the peloton waited. It wasn’t Pogačar’s fault; crashes happen in cycling.” This moment shows how much camaraderie exists in the sport.
Recent statistics show that crashes are common in cycling, especially in high-stakes races like the Tour de France. A study found that nearly 20% of cyclists experience a crash during a race, which can lead to both physical injuries and time losses. But Pogačar’s quick recovery highlights the resilience many athletes display after setbacks.
After the race, the team’s sports director stated Pogačar would see a doctor to assess his injuries further. Although he was beaten up, he remained optimistic: “Tomorrow is a big day. I’ll give my best and see how I feel.”
Stage 11 was eventually won by Jonas Abrahamsen from Uno-X, who broke away from the pack. As the Tour de France moves on, all eyes will be on Pogačar. The first challenging climb is ahead at Hautacam in the Pyrenees, setting the stage for more excitement.
Pogačar’s determination to bounce back after the crash serves as an inspiration. It’s a reminder that even in a competitive environment, sportsmanship can flourish.
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