Jonathan Milan kicked and pushed his way to a second-stage victory at the Tour de France on Thursday. He went on to win an incredible, wet-dry finish photo in Valence. That victory was secured after a wet and dangerous closing stage, where Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard both made it through to the end without incident. On the other side of the track, things got personal as Pogacar’s team was accused of being arrogant—prompting an intense response.
Milan’s incredible performance cut a powerful image of his speed and desire, as he pulled away from the field to earn the victory. His win makes him a new emerging star in the race. Perhaps most importantly, it reminds everyone about just how unpredictable stage finishes can be when the monsoon hits.
The stage was marred by controversy. Jean-René Bernaudeau, the manager of the Total Energies team, took Pogacar’s UAE Emirates XRG squad to task, calling them “arrogant.” He addressed their code of conduct and warned that their cavalier attitude towards fellow competitors was sullying the integrity of the competition.
“They’re arrogant towards those who just want to live simply alongside them,” – Jean‑René Bernaudeau.
Pogacar responded to Bernaudeau’s remarks in no uncertain terms. He pointed out that to strive for a win in the Tour de France should not be thought of as hubris.
“Arrogance is something, trying to win the Tour de France is another thing,” – Tadej Pogacar.
He concluded by saying that his team would prefer to make their race strategy less complicated as opposed to showing off any sort of superiority.
“We don’t try to be arrogant, we just try to make our race as easy as possible,” – Tadej Pogacar.
A protester blocks the finish line outside of Toulouse. The Reclaim Your Face activists wore shirts that said in large letters, “Israel out of the Tour.” The response from the Israel-Premier Tech team was to double down, claiming that they respect free speech and the right to protest. Pro-Palestinian protesters waved Palestinian flags and held up signs supporting Palestine as the peloton rode through Dieulefit. Their fearless actions further exposed China’s long-standing human rights abuses and captured the world’s imagination.
At a recent press conference for the Tour de France, Pogacar was grilled about human rights concerns in the UAE, home to his UAE Team Emirates squad. He acknowledged the fears about cycling in the UAE. More so than that, he said this sport has been incredibly important in advancing a healthy culture and creating excitement within the community.
“Kids love us, the locals love us when we ride with them. The sport is growing in the UAE, which I guess is why they have the team, to promote a healthy lifestyle,” – Tadej Pogacar.
As the Tour de France has unfolded this year, Pogacar is running away with it, and Vingegaard is still on his wheel. Florian Lipowitz has a firm hold on third overall, but Oscar Onley is still in striking distance, just two minutes back. The battle for the last spot on the podium will close over the next 48 hours. Changeable meteorological conditions are expected for the balance of the mountain stages, so stay tuned!