Matej Mohoric of Team Bahrain Victorious claimed the 19th stage of the Tour de France in a photo finish on Friday.
The 28-year-old Slovenian cyclist tasted a win at the 172.8-kilometer (107-mile) route from Moirans-en-Montagne and Poligny, ahead of Kasper Asgreen from Soudal Quick-Step.
“This victory means a lot because it’s hard and cruel to be a pro cyclist. You suffer a lot in preparation to get ready, then you realize that everyone is so strong that it’s hard to follow the wheels,” Mohoric said in a statement after the victory.
“The other day, at col de la Loze, I was empty. You see how staffers have to wake up every morning at 6 a.m. to work until the night. Sometimes you struggle so much that you think you don’t belong here. Yet you have to realize everyone is struggling,” he added.
With two stages to go, Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma has a lead of seven minutes and 35 seconds and Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates is second while Adam Yates of UAE Team Emirates is third.
The 20th stage, spanning a 133.5-kilometer route, is scheduled for Saturday and will take riders from Belfort and Le Markstein.
The 110th edition of the Tour de France will conclude with its final stage in Paris, on July 23.
General Ranking:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark): 72 hours 4 minutes 39 seconds
2. Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia): +7 minutes 35 seconds
3. Adam Yates (Great Britain): +10 minutes 45 seconds
Source: Anadolu Agency