Vingegaard dominated the time trial and leads the Tour by almost two minutes

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard at the finish line of the 16th stage of the Tour de France, July 18, 2023

Combloux (France) – Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard dominated the 16th stage of the Tour de France and after in the 22.4 kilometer time trial, he increased his lead over Tadej Pogačar by one minute and 48 seconds. The defending champion did not give his opponents a chance after the day off. He rode for the win from the start and didn't even change the time trial special before climbing the Cote de Domancy with an average gradient of 6.6 percent at the end.

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< p>The defending champion did not give his opponents a chance after the day off. He rode for the win from the start and before climbing the Cote de Domancy with an average gradient of 6.6 percent at the end he didn't even change the time trial special.

“So I didn't expect this. I think it was my best time trial in my life,” said Vingegaard. “To be honest, we surprised even ourselves,” he added after the 24th triumph in his career, but only the second in the time trial.

Pogačar did change the wheel, but even that was not enough for the two-time Tour winner. He was one minute and 38 seconds behind Vingegaard in second place. Belgian Wout van Aert finished third on the route from Passy to Combloux with a loss of two minutes and 51 seconds.

“We didn't expect this, but it happens,” said Pogačar. “I couldn't have done more, it probably wasn't my best day. The Tour isn't decided, but it has a huge lead and it will be much more difficult now,” he added.

Vingegaard claimed the third stage victory on the Tour in his career and before Wednesday's royal stage of this year, he made a significant step towards defense. On Wednesday, 165.7 kilometers are on the agenda, during which the peloton will overcome two climbs of the first category and one of the highest category.

Tour de France cycling stage race – 16th stage (individual time trial, 22.4 km ):

1. Vingegaard (Dan./Jumbo-Visma) 32:36, 2. Pogačar (Slovenia/SAE Team Emirates) -1:38, 3. Van Aert (Belg./Jumbo-Visma) -2:51, 4. Bilbao ( Sp./Bahrain Victorious) -2:55, 5. S. Yates (Brit./Jayco AIUIa) -2:58, 6. Cavagna (Fr./Soudal-Quick-Step) -3:06.

Current standings: 1. Vingegaard 63:06:53, 2. Pogačar -1:48, 3. A. Yates (Brit./SAE Team Emirates) -8:52, 4. Rodríguez (Sp./Ineos Grenadiers) -8:57, 5. Hindley (Aust./Bora-hansgrohe) -11:15, 6. Kuss (USA/Jumbo-Visma) -12:56.