Ilan Van Wilder abandons the race after a crash on the penultimate day.
Valentin Paret-Peintre kept believing in his chances of winning the polka dot classification, especially as the last mountain stage was rewarding in terms of points put in play. On what turned out to be one of the toughest days at the Tour de France in recent history - with Col de la Croix-De-Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, Col de Sarenne and 5600 vertical meters - Valentin once again attacked and made it into the breakaway.
One of this edition’s most combative riders, the 25-year-old Frenchman fought until the last ounce of energy, but the effort he put in this race - and especially this week, when he was in three consecutive breakaway - began taking its toll on him on the day’s second ascent and he had to let go of the leading group.
Behind him, on the descent, Ilan Van Wilder was unfortunately forced to abandon the race, after crashing. The Belgian, who was sitting in 12th place overall after what had been a solid three weeks at the Tour, was taken to the hospital for further examination, and initial assessments indicated multiple abrasions, but thankfully no broken bones.
“I tried to do my best and give everything, but I was too tired and Richard Carapaz was just stronger on these long and hard ascents. I couldn’t get the climbers’ jersey this year, but I’m not disappointed knowing that I did everything I could. I will come back for it in the future and I hope to win it”, Valentin said at the finish.
From the top of the Alpe d’Huez, where this penultimate stage concluded, the riders are set to travel to Paris for the last day of the Tour de France, which will include again the famous Montmartre climb before the finish on the famous Champs-Élysées.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
