Tour de France 2022 stage 21 LIVE: Jonas Vingegaard celebrates title on Champs-Elysees after Jasper Philipsen wins sprint finish
Jonas Vingegaard won his first Tour de France while Jasper Philipsen prevailed in a sprint finish to win Stage 21 on the Champs-Elysees
Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark won his first Tour de France title on Sunday as Jasper Philipsen claimed Stage 21, his second of the race, to conclude the 109th edition of the race.
The Dane came out on top of a thrilling three-week duel, edging two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who played one last card on the Champs-Elysees, leading out the peloton before the sprint finish when Philipsen, of Alpecin-Deceuninck, pipped Dylan Groenewegen and Alexander Kristoff to the iconic sprint finish. The 25-year-old Vingegaard became the first Danish rider to win cycling’s biggest race since Bjarne Riis in 1996. He finished 3 minutes, 34 seconds ahead of second-place Pogacar. Vingegaard, who was runner-up to Pogacar last year, built his success in the mountains.
Vingegaard crossed the line arm-in-arm with his Jumbo-Visma team-mates to confirm the victory he effectively sealed in Saturday’s time trial. Britain’s Geraint Thomas, of Ineos, took a memorable third place, his third podium finish in his Tour de France career.
The day started with Lorena Wiebes putting on the first yellow jersey of the inaugural Tour de France Femmes, beating Marianne Vos in a sprint finish to conclude a historic opening stage on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Wiebes said: “I’m really happy that I was finally able to race on the Champs-Elysees. As expected it was a hard race. It feels really special to ride here in Paris and even more special to wear the yellow jersey. I was fine with the pressure because I directly put the most pressure on myself.”
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
Tremendous atmosphere on the streets of Paris, we’re now in the centre of the city.
Less than 60km remaining, it’s being wound up nicely now.
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
A lot of rumours swirling about moves in the cycling world.
Jumbo Visma looking into signing Attila Valter, according to reports in Belgium. While discussion on the Eurosport broadcast centres around Primoz Roglic leaving for Ineos.
The Slovenian will want to challenge for the Tour again, but with Vingegaard now the main man for Jumbo Visma, could he be tempted away?
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21 - Tadej Pogacar discusses 2022 race
Tadej Pogacar on his Tour: “I can be really happy with this Tour, we wanted to win, but second and three stage wins, we can be proud of this.
“I’m looking for more challenges. Stage wins are always incredible in the Tour. It’s something I cannot describe. For me, that’s why it’s so beautiful.”
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
Simon Geschke gets the point! The German narrows the gap to Jonas Vingegaard.
It was just 1km with some sections up to 13 per cent, but Geschke is afforded the opportunity to ride clear, a nice touch.
There’s one point up for grabs here, although it won’t make a different to the KOM standings.
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
Ok, we’re now inside 80km, time for the real racing?
The last picturesque views taken in by the riders at a leisurely Sunday ride pace, the Palace of Versailles looking splendid in these sunny conditions.
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
Philippe Gilbert enjoying the limelight at the front, soaking in every last moment of his final Tour.
Vingegaard with his first sip of champagne then. A few glasses toasted through the window of a support car. Wonderful moment for any Tour winner.
“They’ve been the team of the Tour,” says Wiggins. “Wout is the best all-round cyclist in the world now, replacing Sagan.
“This is what the end of the Tour is about. The winning team having the procession before the Champs Elysees. It’s been a joy to watch. they now have a job to do for the rest of the day.
“It’ll be fast and frantic on the Champs Elysees.”
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
Geraint Thomas: “I’ve done some of my best numbers. At the same time, my best previous in 2018 I had more. It’s hard to go off that.
“I’m in top shape. Happy to have got here as well. The group of guys we’ve got. We all get on really well, the atmosphere on the bus, it’s just been good.
“It was a Subway, somebody forgot to put the food on the bus. Had a few cookies and a foot long. Can’t fault it.”
Tour de France 2022: Stage 21
The calm before the storm, but don’t expect Jonas Vingegaard’s mood to change.
The Yellow Jersey holder has a nice conversation with American Neilson Powless, of EF Education-EasyPost.
A nice touch from Jumbo Visma, who pay tribute to the riders who didn’t make it this far, numbers held up for former GC contender Primoz Roglic, as well as Steven Kruijswijk and Nathan Van Hooydonck.
Tour de France Femmes 2022: Lorena Wiebes holds her child while celebrating becoming overall leader with Yellow Jersey
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