Stage 19 saw some climbing in the Alps. The 2000-meter mark was crossed twice in the high mountains: the Cime de la Bonette was the highest point ever reached in the Tour de France. The route went up to 2800 meters. At the finish, the climb to the Isola 2000 ski station was the perfect terrain for Jai Hindley.
Although the Australian had already made an energy-sapping breakaway attempt yesterday, he was back on the attack from the start today. Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's desire for a stage win was too great, Hindley and five other climbing specialists had a lead of more than four minutes at the summit of the Bonette. At this point, there was still a 40-kilometer descent to Isola and a 16-kilometer final climb.
The race took a decisive turn in these final kilometers: The harmony at the front ended, Jorgenson attacked from the group and Hindley had to pay for the efforts of the last few days. At the same time, the favorites in the peloton were putting each other under pressure. Pogačar went on the attack, overtaking one breakaway rider after another. In the final two kilometers, the yellow jersey was alone at the front and took his fourth stage win.
Jai Hindley
“I had to put myself in there and I did. But I just didn't have the legs on Bonette and then I didn't have the legs on the final climb so I was just suffering all day. We had to readjust the goals after Primož had to abandon and just to try and go for a stage. It's pretty hard work but I've enjoyed it and also today was really nice, there was really epic support on the road.”