Key events
109km to go: If ever there was any doubt that Giulio Ciccone was reveling in wearing the polka-dot jersey, then take a look at the man today. He’s even got a polka-dot bike…
112km to go: As is the tradition, the peloton are starting at a slow pace to soak up and enjoy atmosphere. They are celebrating their achievements over the last three weeks and having a nice time. Unfortunately, Victor Lafay (Cofidisis) not among them as he has not started today. I’m sure he’ll be happy though with that win on stage two – a big moment for Cofidisis.
The racing on stage 21 has begun…with a touch of fun to start
113km to go: Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny) had a cheeky attack off the front but he soon slows up and winks at the camera. He was just having a bit off fun as the super combative rider of the Tour. I’m looking forward to some more light-hearted fun during this stage. Bring it on.
Who’s wearing what jersey?
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Yellow: Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) 79hr 16min 38sec
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Green: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 377pts
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Polka-dot: Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) 105pts
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White: Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates)
The top five on General Classification
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Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) 79hr 16min 38sec
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Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates) +7min 29sec
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Adam Yates (UAE Emirates) +10min 56sec
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Simon Yates (Jayco-Ulula) +12min 23sec
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Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers) +13min 17sec
Pello Bilbao, Jai Hindley, Felix Gall, David Gaudu and Guillaume Martin make up the top 10.
Jonas Vingegaard to win Tour de France again as Pogacar takes stage 20
In case you missed yesterday’s stage, here is the stage 20 report to get you up to speed: Jonas Vingegaard in effect sealed back-to-back wins in the Tour de France after defending his overall lead in the final mountain stage of the three-week race. With only Sunday’s processional stage to central Paris to come, the Dane will, barring accidents, wear the final yellow jersey on the Champs-Élysées.
The stage 21 roll-out is under way
Smiling faces across the front of the peloton as the riders roll out for their final stage of the 2023 Tour de France. I can imagine they are all happy to have made it to Paris after a fast, hectic and tiring three weeks.
Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Paris Champs Élysées, 115km
William Fotheringham on stage 21: A hint of the Paris 2024 Games with a start at the national velodrome before the run-in to the finish on the Champs Élysées, where the sprinters can strut their stuff. This is the last time we will see the Tour here for a couple of years, as next year’s Olympics mean the finish moves to Nice and a final time trial, the first time the Tour has finished outside the capital since 1905.
