Two chances: Pogacar can still win the Tour

For Tadej Pogacar, the 16th stage of the Tour de France was the biggest defeat he has ever suffered in an important time trial. But the Slovenian is far from writing off the Tour victory. 1:48 minutes separate him from overall leader Jonas Vingegaard.

"It's a big gap. Of course I had hoped to be in the yellow jersey," said Pogacar. "It's definitely not over. I promise it's going to be interesting." Ultimately, the two-time champion still has two stages left to take the yellow jersey from Vingegaard.

The roof of the Tour de France 2023

Pogacar has to strike back on Wednesday. The Tour's queen stage offers enough potential for big time gaps. "This is the toughest stage of this Tour. Anyone can have a bad day," said the 24-year-old. With the Col des Saisies and the Col de Roselend, two first-category mountains have to be climbed first, followed by the easier Cote de Longefoy.

After that, the going gets tough. Over 28.1 kilometres, the route climbs the Col de la Loze, which at 2304 metres is the highest point of the tour. Gradients of up to 24 per cent await in the final quarter. On the last few metres to the finish in Courchevel, after a short descent, the route climbs again at up to 18 per cent. If Vingegaard went too low in the time trial, he will feel it.

Rollercoaster ride in the Vosges

The penultimate stage on Saturday is not a time trial this year, but a very demanding day in the Vosges. Only 133.5 kilometres long, but with 3600 metres of climbing. In the finale, the Petit Ballon awaits, which is as steep as Alpe d'Huez. Pogacar will risk everything on the technically demanding descent, immediately followed by the ascent of the Col du Platzerwasel. This is even steeper than its predecessor and much less rhythmic. Pogacar has to isolate Vingegaard from his helpers and attack as far as possible before the finish.

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