In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay clinched his third stage win at the 2024 Tour de France, emerging victorious in the 12th stage at Villeneuve-sur-Lot.
However, the day was not as kind to Primoz Roglic, who suffered a significant loss, potentially altering the course of his race.
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Girmay’s hat-trick achievement
Biniam Girmay’s consistency and sprinting prowess have been the highlights of this year’s Tour. Winning previously in Turin and Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, Girmay added a third win under dramatic circumstances. Excellently positioned by his Intermarché-Wanty team, he outpaced his rivals in the final sprint, showcasing his superior acceleration and race timing.
Tour de France 2024: Roglic’s experience and Team Visma’s tactics thwart rivals
The sprint finale
The stage culminated in an intense sprint where Girmay overtook Wout Van Aert (Visma|Lease a Bike) and Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), who had initiated his sprint too early at 250 meters from the finish line. Démare’s premature move ultimately cost him, relegating him to third place, while Girmay demonstrated why he is a top contender for the green jersey, now leading by a significant margin in the points classification.
Roglic’s misfortune
On a day that celebrated Girmay’s triumph, Primoz Roglic faced adversity. Caught in a crash just 12 kilometers from the finish, the Slovenian cyclist from Bora-Hansgrohe lost a staggering 2 minutes and 27 seconds. This misstep not only resulted in a loss of valuable time but also caused him to drop to the sixth overall position, casting a shadow over his podium aspirations.
THREE VICTORIES AT THE 2024 TOUR DE FRANCE FOR BINIAM GIRMAY! HE WINS STAGE 12!!! #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/x1zRyY2Jqz
— le tour de robyn 🇫🇷 (@robynjournalist) July 11, 2024
The impact on the general classification
Roglic’s crash has profound implications for the general classification, reshuffling the standings and intensifying the competition among the top contenders. His hopes for a high finish are now contingent on a strong recovery and aggressive strategy in the upcoming mountain stages.
The road ahead
As the Tour progresses, all eyes will be on how Roglic responds to this setback. The mountain stages offer an opportunity for redemption, but the physical and psychological impacts of such a crash are not to be underestimated. Meanwhile, Girmay’s stellar performance has firmly established him as one of the most exciting talents in professional cycling.
Looking forward
The Tour de France continues to surprise and captivate fans around the world. With each stage, the dynamics of the race evolve, offering a compelling narrative filled with triumphs and tribulations. As the cyclists prepare for the challenges ahead, the battle for the yellow and green jerseys promises more drama and excitement.
Pogacar’s peril: Tour de France’s yellow jersey fears the worst in Stage 9
This article explores the dramatic 12th stage of the 2024 Tour de France, where Biniam Girmay claimed his third victory, and Primoz Roglic encountered a significant setback. The stage highlighted not only Girmay’s sprinting excellence but also the unforeseen challenges that can swiftly alter the standings. With the Tour progressing, the impact of this stage will resonate in the strategies and performances of the riders as they face the forthcoming mountainous terrains.
