Tour de France 2019: De Gendt solos to victory, Alaphippe regains maillot jaune

The 8th stage of the Tour de France is a challenging ride with seven intermediate climbs, while the altitude gain amounts to 3,750 metres. Breakaway rider Thomas De Gendt solos to an impressive victory, while Julian Alpahilippe moves back into the overall lead. He finishes in third, while Thibaut Pinot comes in second to gain time on his GC rivals. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 8th stage Tour de France 2019

1. Thomas De Gendt (bel)
2. Thibaut Pinot (fra) + 0.06
3. Julian Alaphilippe (fra) s.t.
4. Michael Matthews (aus) + 0.26
5. Peter Sagan (svk) s.t.
6. Matteo Trentin (ita) s.t.
7. Xandro Meurisse (bel) s.t.
8. Greg Van Avermaet (bel) s.t.
9. Egan Bernal (col) s.t.
10. Geraint Thomas (gbr) s.t.

GC after stage 8
1. Julian Alaphilippe (fra)
2. Giulio Ciccone (ita) + 0.23
3. Thibaut Pinot (fra) + 0.53
4. George Bennett (nzl) + 1.10
5. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 1.12
6. Egan Bernal (col) + 1.16
7. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) + 1.27
8. Rigoberto Uran (col) + 1.38
9. Jakob Fuglsang (den) + 1.42
10. Emanuel Buchmann (ger) + 1.45

11. Enric Mas (spa) + 1.46
12. Adam Yates (gbr) + 1.47
14. Nairo Quintana (col) + 2.01
15. Mikel Landa (spa) + 2.06
16. Daniel Martin (irl) + 2.09
18. Richie Porte (aus) + 2.19
19. Bauke Mollema (nld) + 2.45
23. Romain Bardet (fra) + 3.20
28. Vincenzo Nibali (ita) + 6.18
35. Michael Woods (can) + 15.31

Race report
Terpstra, De Gendt and King attack from the gun, while De Marchi tracks them down after 20 kilometres. The four race to a lead of 5 minutes.

De Gendt is the first rider over the first four climbs, while King and Terpstra lose contact on the Côte de la Croix de Par.

De Marchi and De Gendt posh on together. Once again, De Gendt takes most KOM points at Côte d’Aveize with the peloton almost 4 minutes in arrears.

At the foot of the last hilll, Côte de la Jaillère, the lead has fallen to 1 minute. Woods and Thomas hit the deck.

De Gendt heads out alone on the Jaillère, while Thomas regains contact before the steep ramps near the top. Nibali drops back before Alaphilippe strikes with Pinot on his wheel. They gain 5 and 2 seconds at the top.

The Flemish attacker holds off the two chasers to win the race. Pinot finishes in second with Alaphilippe in third. The French finishes 20 seconds ahead of the main field to delight the nation ahead of Bastille Day. Alaphilippe reclaims the yellow jersey and Pinot gains time on his overall rivals.

Another interesting read: route 8th stage 2019 Tour de France.