tour de france 2024: stage 4
by Rémy Rossi
Iberian mountain goats
An elite group took the lead on the Galibier, graudually slimming down more and more. I took notice of the disproportionate representation of our beloved Iberian peninsula in the small bunch with riders suffering for the leaders and others fighting for their own GC chances. Beyond the Four Horsemen of the Apocalyse (and this year’s Tour), there were several super-strong Spaniards and a lone Portuguese. The mightiest of the helpers were Juan Ayuso and João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates, supporting Pogacar while also sitting high on the GC. Mikel Landa was there for Remco with Enrique Mas and Pello Bilbao close behind in the following group. Carlos Rodriguez was up with the best of them preserving his GC position as Ineos’ best shot for an overall top 10 finish. It’s no surprise the Iberian countrymen were out in full force but, with so much quality and representation at the front end of the Tour, I was disappointed that none of them were ultimately fighting for the win. To be sure, it’s not everyday that a Contador, Valverde, or Indurain comes around. Pero lo vamos viendo...
Boom.
Pog’s astronomical power can blow a fuse. If you were anywhere near an electric device as Pogacar screamed past— both up and down the Galibier— you probably felt his extreme wattage affecting the item’s circuitry. In my book, a fried appliance is well worth witnessing such a masterclass. One of the scariest sights is probably seeing Pogacar attack you (unless you’re Vingegaard, maybe). It’s likely even more hair-raising when he kicks and you can’t see him anywore. Out of sight, out of mind? Nope— that ever-increasing gap is all you’re thinking about.
The Pinot Phantom
It’s a sad fact that this year’s edition of the Tour is the first without our beloved Thibault. Take a moment to reflect on that— even though I’m sure you already mourned at the end of last year’s Tour. Have a delicious French wine to honor his memory.
Okay, so he’s not dead— but it still feels like something in the Tour is missing. With all the drama and close racing in this year’s edition, I’ve barely had time to dwell on his absence. But Pinot is still hanging around in another way— or rather, in a heightened state of being.
KOM-holders are kind of like ghosts. They are permanent residents of the mountain for as long as they maintain the record, haunting the Strava accounts and head units of those who dare to compare their mortal pace with that of the cycling gods. Thibault Pinot was the reigning KOM champ on the Col du Galibier before Stage 4 of this year’s race. His record was a firm and lasting reminder of the impressive performances throughout his career. The most poignant moment in recent memory was his almost-win on Stage 20 of the 2023 Tour de France where he very nearly stole the win in oh-so-glorious and instinctual fashion that is truly vintage Pinot.
In the end, though, Pogacar unseated Pinot from the throne with his record-breaking ascent up the Col du Galibier, sending a death-defying ride down the other side to clinch a comfortable stage victory ahead of Jonas Vingegaard. A stage informed by memories of the past that’s cluing us in to what’s coming next. The gloves are officially off in this year’s Tour.
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