“I just couldn't keep up with the best riders" - Mikel Landa falters on first mountain stage of the Tour de France

Sadly for Mikel Landa and his legion of supporters, Landismo was not in full effect as the 2023 Tour de France made an early entrance into the Pyrenees. The Bahrain - Victorious rider finished 29th nearly three minutes down.

“It was a really tough stage, actually right from the start,” Landa admitted post-stage. “We rode really fast to get into the breakaway of the day. At one point a large group drove away, but we kept riding in the peloton. Also in the final the race was very fast. On the final climb I just couldn't follow the best riders."

Landa still sits best placed of his team in the general classification in 14th 3:13 down on the winner of stage 5 and the man who moved into the Yellow Jersey, BORA - hansgrohe's Jai Hindley. With yet another day in the Pyrenees to come on stage 6, Landa seems resigned to his position as no longer the threat for the podium that many had expected him to be.

"I just couldn't keep up with the best riders. It is what it is," the Basque rider concludes. “I had high hopes before the start, but it didn't work out well. I've been put in my place. We will see what is possible on Thursday."