Vastly different development to what we have seen in some past editions. “Usually, the first week is more of an observation phase, even if you can’t say it’s a walk in the park. But here, we feel an immediate and constant commitment from the start, in practically every stage.”
Unsurprisingly though, we’re heading towards the first rest day with the expected man – Tadej Pogacar – in yellow. “Pogacar is on top, that’s obvious. But he’s not outrageously dominating,” Thevenet notices cracks in the world champion’s armor. “There’s still hope for the future, because the gaps aren’t that big yet.”His hopes are directed towards Jonas Vingegaard who appeared to be on-par with Pogacar for the most of the opening week. “We haven’t even crossed a single mountain pass yet! When the real climbs arrive, things will change. And it could even redefine the current hierarchy. It’s often said that the truth of the first week of the Tour isn’t the same as the third, and that’s true.”
Although the Dane lost a lot of time in the stage 5 timetrial, his climbing performances were really promising: “He wasn’t that far behind Pogacar after all. I’m glad he still believes in it, because if he had lost confidence, his Tour would already be over. And besides, it’s not an unreasonable hope. It’s a solid hope. As long as he believes in it, anything is possible.”