Back to stage 19 Moirans-en-Montagne > Poligny

This Tour de France definitely has many surprises in store... Although the riders are tired after 18 very demanding stages, they continue to put on a show of rare intensity. Several of them are determined to lead a last stand and try to isolate themselves. Among them, we obviously find Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny), Zingle and Coquard (Cofidis), Neilands (Israel-Premier Tech). However, the good shot does not seem to have been formed, too many teams wishing to win in this 100% Jura stage.
Finally, after more than 60 kilometers of struggle, the race settles after the intermediate sprint and sees a group of some 36 riders get out of the peloton: Barguil (Arkéa-Samsic), Houle, Neilands, Strong and Clarke (Israel -Premier Tech), Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny), Izagirre (Cofidis) in particular.
Particularly discreet so far, the Australian Simon Clarke has ants in his legs and launches an offensive 60 kilometers from the finish, accompanied by the inevitable "Campi". "Aerodinamic..a" and well placed on their machines, the two adventurers deliver an effective choreography but cramps stop Clarke 28 kilometers further. A few hectometres later, in the last "repecho" of the day, Campenaerts was taken over by a trio of fugitives who "jo...ured" the victory to Poligny. Behind, although to their advantage Strong and Barguil will not be able to defend their luck, victims of a fall for one and mechanical trouble for the other.
Distinction rarely awarded two days in a row to the same rider, the prize for combativeness is still awarded to Campenaerts for all of his work!
Photo credits: Sprint Cycling and Sirotti