Cyclist Ben O'Connor triumphs over Col de la Loze, securing victory in the 18th stage of the Tour de France.
Ben O'Connor Wins Epic Stage 18 of the Tour de France
Ben O'Connor claimed a historic solo victory in Stage 18 of the Tour de France, marking his second ever Tour stage win and the first for his team, Jayco-AlUla. The Australian rider finished 1 minute 45 seconds ahead of Tadej Pogačar on the Col de la Loze, strengthening his position in the general classification.
The stage, which featured more than 5,600 metres of elevation gain across three hors categorie climbs - the Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the Col de la Loze - was a gruelling test for the riders. O'Connor distanced Einer Rubio (Movistar) on the final climb, leading the race solo with a gap of more than three minutes to Lipowitz.
Pogačar, who closed the gap to the breakaway led by O'Connor, Rubio, and Sepp Kuss, stood up to a late attack from Jonas Vingegaard to take second place on the day. Vingegaard, who attacked Pogačar in the final few kilometres, was unable to drop the race leader.
The overall classification saw Pogačar extend his advantage over Vingegaard to about 4 minutes 26 seconds with three stages remaining. O'Connor's win moved him into tenth place in the general classification, after the withdrawal of Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) before the stage began.
Oscar Onley valiantly marked the move from Vingegaard, edging closer to the final podium in Paris. Adam Yates, Tobias Halland Johannessen, and Sepp Kuss finished in 8th, 9th, and 10th places, respectively.
German rider Felix Lipowitz made a stinging acceleration, leading the race before being caught by O'Connor, Rubio, and Jorgenson. Felix Gall and Primož Roglič joined the yellow jersey group in the valley.
With this win, Jayco-AlUla achieved its first victory of the race, and O'Connor's solo effort in the mist at the highest point of this year's race above Courchevel in the French Alps was a testament to his determination and skill. The race now moves closer to its final stages, with Pogačar firmly in control of the yellow jersey.
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