‘What is he doing?’ – Tadej Pogacar shows ‘devilment’ with last-ditch, surprise Stage 19 attack at Tour de France

Tadej Pogacar showed what Carlton Kirby called “devilment” as the UAE Team Emirates rider made a surprise, last-ditch attack on Stage 19 of the Tour de France. After Vingegaard claimed a remarkable solo victory in Stage 18 in the Pyrenees to strengthen his vice-like grip on the yellow jersey, the consensus – ahead of Stage 19 – was that Vingegaard, bar incident or accident, had all but won a maiden Tour de France with the sprinters’ stage on Friday and a time trial on Saturday ahead of Sunday's procession into Paris. Ad/> However, Pogacar had other ideas.

The two-time defending champion launched a shock attack with 34km remaining. Tour de FranceLaporte ends French drought with shock Stage 19 win as Jumbo-Visma's stellar Tour continuesAN HOUR AGO “Oh my gosh,” exclaimed the usually unflappable Sean Kelly. “What is he doing,” added a perplexed Robbie McEwen.

“He is having some fun, Robbie,” responded Carlton Kirby. “And he is going to make sure you are still thinking of him and what might have been! “He has rolled off the front. It is a statement,” finished Kirby.

Laporte ends French drought with shock Stage 19 win as Jumbo-Visma's stellar Tour continues ‘Riders stopping left and right’ – Race halted as protestors target Tour de France again The attack – a surprise, last attempt to apply pressure to Vingegaard – was quickly closed down by Wout van Aert. And Kelly would try to rationalise the move by Pogacar. “We have seen from the moment he lost the jersey, every moment he has been prepared to and tried to put Vingegaard in difficulty,” said Kelly.