Jumbo-Visma sports director predicts stage 17 will be "the toughest stage of the Tour in the last ten years"

With Jonas Vingegaard extending his lead in the general classification to nearly two minutes after the stage 16 time-trial, many are expecting Tadej Pogacar to come back firing. That combined with a brutal day of climbing sets up one of the hardest Tour de France stages in recent memory according to Frank Maassen.

"We have the toughest stage of the Tour in the last ten years, so everyone is going to have a tough ride," the Jumbo-Visma sports director told VTM in a pre-stage interview prior to stage 17. "That time trial is certainly a relief. We hadn't been able to win a stage yet, so especially with this difference it was a day full of joy."

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PREVIEW | Tour de France 2023 stage 17 - 5400 meters of climbing and 20% climb up Col de la Loze the queen stage for Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar

The race is not yet completed however. Although it may seem unlikely after their respective time-trial performances, Pogacar overturning the 1:48 required is not completely out of the question. "Jonas has to get back to his level 100 percent," says Maassen. "We take every scenario into account."

“Controlling such a tough stage is always a challenge. It may be an early flight, but UAE Team Emirates may have to start early. Although that can also be to our advantage," he continues. "I don't know what's going on with them. In any case, we are prepared for everything, and it will of course be a very tough day. That's actually in favour of Jonas, but he shouldn't have a bad day either. The strongest will float to the top."

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Tadej Pogacar reacts to stage 16 time-trial: "I couldn't do anything more, I was flat out"

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