Wout Van Aert puts on dominant display to claim victory on Stage 11 of the Tour de France a day after finishing second to Mark Cavendish in a sprint… with Tadej Pogacar maintaining his lead at the top
- Wout Van Aert claimed victory at stage 11 of the Tour de France on Wednesday
- He rode solo to the finish in Malaucene after coming second to Mark Cavendish
- Van Aert said he was ‘lost for words’ and called it ‘maybe my best victory ever’
- Tadej Pogacar keeps his overall lead at the top of the standings
Wout Van Aert rode clear on the second ascent of Mont Ventoux to take a superb stage win, as Tadej Pogacar came under pressure but extended his overall lead in the Tour de France.
The day after finishing second to Mark Cavendish in a sprint finish, Van Aert put on a display of a very different kind to take glory on one of the most eagerly-awaited stages of the Tour, featuring a double ascent of one of its most famous mountains. He left Kenny Elissonde behind 11km from the top of the Giant of Provence, riding solo to the finish in Malaucene.
Wout Van Aert claimed his ‘best victory ever’ at the Tour de France by winning stage 11
Tadej Pogacar (left) came under pressure but maintained his overall lead at the top
‘I’m lost for words,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘This is one of the most iconic climbs in the world of cycling and it’s maybe my best victory ever.
‘If you keep believing, some day it’ll work out and I’m really proud.’
Pogacar was left behind by Jonas Vingegaard late on the final climb, but with Ben O’Connor also off the pace, the Slovenian enhanced his lead.