After another aggressive day in the mountains, Netcompany INEOS remained active throughout stage 15 of the Tour de France, with Thymen Arensman, Kevin Vauquelin and Egan Bernal in the day’s breakaways on the 183.9km stage.
The racing ignited early on the opening category three climb as Josh Tarling attacked with 153km remaining, while teammate Tobias Foss was also involved in a series of moves as riders fought for a place in the day’s breakaway.
Xabier Azparren (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) launched an attack on the climb, going clear with Arensman. The pair were soon joined by eight chasers on the descent, forming the leading group with 107 kilometres still to race.
After a solid effort by Arensman, the Dutchman was reeled back in before a counterattack saw both Vauquelin and Bernal successfully make their way into a larger breakaway with 95km to go. The pair continued to push on over the category one Col de la Croisette, but the relentless pace began to split the group as the race approached the decisive finale.
Bernal was caught by the reduced peloton, which also included Foss, on the descent into the final climb, while Vauquelin continued to battle on, beginning the Côte du Mont around 50 seconds behind the leaders.
The stage was ultimately decided on the HC ascent of Plateau de Solaison, where Vauquelin was reeled back into the main group.
It’s a welcome rest day for the riders tomorrow after back-to-back mountain stages, before the individual time trial on stage 16 as the Tour enters its final week.
