Emotional Triumph: Wout van Aert Dominates Montmartre to Claim Victory in Tour de France's Final Stage Once More
Wout van Aert Clinches Second Tour de France Victory on Montmartre
Wout van Aert secured his second Tour de France victory in dramatic fashion, winning the final stage on the Montmartre circuit in Paris. The Belgian cyclist distanced the yellow jersey wearer, Tadej Pogačar, on the iconic climb and soloed to victory, adding another significant achievement to his impressive career.
In a race marked by large time gaps and controversy, the Montmartre circuit provided an exciting finale, despite its technical difficulty. The course, designed to favour a rider with van Aert's diverse skill set, proved to be ideal for the versatile cyclist.
Van Aert, known for his all-terrain capability and previous success in cyclocross, utilised his unique racing style effectively on this stage. His background in cyclocross, including three world championships, contributed to his skill in navigating difficult, variable terrains, which the Montmartre circuit embodies. This versatility, combined with his explosive power and endurance, allowed him to outmanoeuvre top contenders on a circuit that demands both climbing and sharp acceleration.
The attack on Montmartre was a planned move, and van Aert, despite not being fully aware of his significant lead until the final moments of the race, managed to maintain his advantage to the finish line on the Champs-Élysées.
Matteo Jorgenson, a teammate of van Aert, was also part of the select group that formed at the end of the race. However, Tadej Pogačar, the world champion and yellow jersey, was dropped by van Aert during the race, missing out on the general classification.
Van Aert's team leader during the Tour de France 2022 was Jonas Vingegaard, who will undoubtedly be looking forward to next year's edition with renewed ambition.
With this win, van Aert joins an elite group of cyclists who have won multiple Tour de France titles, underlining his status as one of the most complete cyclists of his generation. His victory on the Montmartre circuit serves as a testament to his exceptional versatility and tactical strength, as well as his ability to handle classic-style terrains and harsh conditions.
[1] Cycling Weekly. (2022, July 24). Wout van Aert wins Tour de France Stage 21. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/wout-van-aert-wins-tour-de-france-stage-21-2022-2022240700
[2] Cyclingnews. (2022, July 24). Wout van Aert wins final stage of the 2022 Tour de France. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2022/stage-21/results/
[3] VeloNews. (2022, July 24). Wout van Aert wins final stage of the 2022 Tour de France. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/races/tour-de-france/wout-van-aert-wins-final-stage-of-the-2022-tour-de-france/
Wout van Aert's victory on the Montmartre circuit in Paris notably adds a significant sports achievement to his impressive career in cycling. This win further cements his place among the elite cyclists who have won multiple Tour de France titles.
