The virus has won his team. The Slovenian bear inevitably wonders… He is afraid to leave by the small door, that of being positive not for doping but for the virus. Like the other runners. Van Aert does not ask himself any questions. He accumulates points.
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Between France and Switzerland between Dole and Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, this last stage before the Alps will ultimately have been a transition race. Wout Van Aert took the opportunity to glean another victory and consolidate his green jersey. Normally nothing to worry Pogacar who after a week of racing is afraid… Not especially of his opponents, but of the COVID that has arrived in his team.
Because it is the big news of the Tour at the end of this first week. Two riders did not start in Dole in the Jura because of the new variant of COVID, including a yellow jersey teammate.
Fear, casually returned to the peloton. Because everyone fears mass contamination within the teams directly concerned.
Frenchman Thibaud Pinot raged at him. Not against the COVID, but against a technician who put a musette in his pif. Not enough to file a complaint, however, to have a page in a certain press! He has seen others the Franc-Comtois who still has the ambition to sign a great victory on this Tour de France 2022.
On Sunday, the riders will leave Aigle in Switzerland, pass through Montreux and Vevey, not far from the Charlot museum, before heading to France for a finish in the resort of Châtel, with no doubt the prospect of the first significant gaps.
Alain BOLLERY
(Photos Agence REUTERS)
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