“I still felt that lost effort in my legs, because I could no longer sprint for the bonus" - Tadej Pogacar reacts to motorbike controversy atop the Col de Joux Plane

Despite the exciting, enthralling and incredibly entertaining stage 14 at the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar was unable to crack Jonas Vingegaard, in fact seeing his deficit extended to 10 seconds. Had a race motorbike not obstructed him as he attempted to claim bonus seconds however, things might have been different.

"I think my first sprint was for nothing, that's a pity," said the UAE Team Emirates leader in his post-stage interview. When Pogacar made his move for the bonus seconds available atop the Col de Joux Plane, a race motorbike was suddenly in his way, obstructing him and forcing Pogacar to sit back down in the saddle. 

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VIDEO: A motorcycle prevents Pogacar from getting the three-second bonus on the Col de Joux Plane climb

"But it wouldn't have changed the outcome, I think," the Slovenian admits. “I still felt that lost effort in my legs, because I could no longer sprint for the bonus. I screwed that up. But it is what it is."

Vingegaard took the seconds instead, extending his overall lead of the race and despite the fact Pogacar edged ahead of the Dane in the final, finishing second behind stage winner Carlos Rodriguez, 10 seconds now separate the rivals in the battle for the Maillot Jaune.

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"This is an absolute disgrace.. Pogacar was held up by French TV motards" on the climb of the Col Joux Plane, Belgian TV commentator claims

VIDEO: Pogacar & Vingegaard warm down side by side in awkward silence

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🥈 @TamauPogi taking second place after a great battle with Vingegaard. #TDF2023 #UAETeamEmirates #WeAreUAE

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