Soren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) took his second stage win of the 2020 Tour de France with another sensational solo effort. This time he launched his attack from the breakaway with 15km to go and built an unbeatable lead as his breakmates hesitated. Luka Mezgec (Mitchelton-Scott) took the sprint for second ahead of Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo). There were no changes in the GC, nor in the jersey holders.

The Victory and the Victor

After three back-to-back gruelling mountain stages, today’s flatter stage represented the last chance saloon for many teams to claw back something, anything from this Tour. But it was another case of who dares wins.

After the Bora and Sunweb-led peloton had reeled in the early breaks, with around 30km remaining, a dozen riders, largely sprinters, including green jersey wearer Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-QuickStep) and the stage winner Kragh Andersen, rode clear and rapidly established an advantage of over 2 minutes on the peloton.

With around 16km remaining, riders started to attack but none stuck until Kragh Andersen counter-attacked. Having already won stage 14 with a late attack at just over 3km to go, this time he would need stronger legs and lungs if he was to succeed this time around.

Luckily disorganisation among the chasers meant he was quickly able to build an unbeatable advantage.

Under the flamme rouge and Kragh Andersen unbelievably had a minute in hand, and was able to comfortably ride to the line to seal a second stage victory in what has been a dream Tour de France for his team with three stage wins.

Some on Twitter thought they’d uncovered Sunweb’s secret ammo but I’m not so sure.

One member of the VeloVoices’ crew was particularly happy with this victory. Can you guess who? Of course you can!

Fat Lady Getting Ready to Sing

Ahead of tomorrow’s individual time-trial which finishes on La Planche des Belles Filles, Jumbo-Visma’s Primoz Roglic continues to enjoy a 57sec. advantage over his closest challenger, compatriot Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Emirates).

And the rest of the race …

Results

Stage 19 Top 5

1 Soren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) 3:36:33

2 Luka Mezgec (Mitchelton-Scott) +0:53

3 Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) same time

4 Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Team) s/t

5 Oliver Naesen (AG2R La Mondiale) same time

GC Top 10

1 Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 83:29:41

2 Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Emirates) +0:57

3 Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) +1:27

4 Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo) +3:06

5 Mikel Landa (Bahrain McLaren) +3:28

6 Enric Mas (Movistar) +04:19

7 Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) +5:55

8 Rigoberto Uran (EF Pro Cycling) +6:05

9 Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) +7:24

10 Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) +12:12

All the jerseys

Leader’s jersey Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma)

Points jersey Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-Quick Step)

King of the Mountains Richard Carapaz (INEOS Grenadiers)

Best Young Rider Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates)

Most Combative of the Stage: Remi Cavagna (Deceuninck-QuickStep)

For full race reviews, go to cyclingnews.

Official race website: Le Tour

Header image: ©GETTY/AFP/ Yuzuru Sunada