Game Changer: A Thrilling Preliminary Decision in the Tour de France Time Trial

On July 18, 2023, defending champion Jonas Vingegaard extended his lead in the Tour de France after a sensational time trial, bringing him closer to a second straight victory. Vingegaard was 1:05 minutes ahead after 18.9 kilometers and 1:38 minutes ahead at the finish. Two-time winner Tadej Pogačar reportedly swapped his road bike for his time trial bike during his recon ride the day before the time trial. The 22.3-kilometer time trial has been described as the stage that could decide the winner of the 2023 Tour de France between Vingegaard and Pogačar. Vingegaard remains 10 seconds ahead of Pogačar in what is proving to be another gripping duel for the yellow jersey. Pogačar skipped any big stage races prior to the Tour de France.