Pidcock's Breakaway Moves Him Up the Standings
Tom Pidcock leapt up the overall standings in the Tour de France, briefly climbing as high as second place, after a fulminating stage to Belfort ended in a debut Tour win for Swiss professional Mauro Schmid. The double Olympic gold medallist started the day 7 minutes 43 seconds behind race leader Remco Evenepoel but moved into fourth place overall, only nine seconds behind the Belgian.
Pidcock was one of the key instigators of a mass breakaway that formed on the rolling roads of the Jura and Doubs, on the long approach to the 9km climb of the Ballon d’Alsace, overlooking Belfort. The stage, which the race leader Tadej Pogacar had described as 'weird', produced an unexpected outcome.
Schmid's Debut Tour Win
Mauro Schmid, a Swiss professional, secured his first Tour de France stage victory in Belfort. The breakaway group stayed clear of the peloton, with Schmid proving strongest in the final sprint.
Pidcock Reflects on the Stage
“It was always the objective to make it into break,” Pidcock said. “I think it worked out perfectly. I was also after the stage win, but it was difficult in the end without any teammates. But I can’t be disappointed.”
Pidcock's aggressive riding earned him the most combative rider prize for the stage, as he continues to impress in his debut Tour de France.
