Neilson Powless's lead in the King of the Mountains classification at the 2023 Tour de France remains in tact following a brutal stage 10, one which the American believes has been unmatched in it's toughness since the race began.
“It was clearly the hardest day since the start of the Tour," the EF Education-EasyPost climber lamented in his post-stage interview. "I’ve tried to make the breakaway and I fought to stay upfront in the first climbs but I couldn’t follow as I wanted."
Powless maintains his 18-point lead in the battle for the polka-dots over his nearest rival, AG2R Citroën Team's Felix Gall. Although he had hoped to extend that lead on stage 10, the day following a rest day is always a challenge.
"It’s always kind of hard to resume racing after the rest day," the 26-year-old admitted. "I hope I’ll bounce back and manage to remain in the lead of the KOM classification.”
What a ride from Chavito. 💛 Full gas for Esteban Chaves on stage 10 coming in fresh off the rest day. He launched an attack on the Côte de Saint-Victor-la-Rivière and spent the better half of the race in the break. He ends the day in 5th place. Vamos Esteban!
