Defending champion Tadej Pogačar experienced a dramatic crash during the Tour de France, just moments before an anti-Israel protester disrupted the stage finish. Norway’s Jonas Abrahamsen seized victory in the eleventh stage, marking his first win in the prestigious race.
Pogačar’s accident occurred approximately five kilometers from the finish line when he collided with another rider. Despite the setback, he quickly remounted his bike and rejoined the peloton, which had slowed to accommodate the overall race favorite. The Slovenian cyclist expressed gratitude to his fellow competitors after crossing the finish line without losing time.
“I’m quite OK, a bit beaten up, but we’ve been through worse days,” Pogačar remarked. “Thanks to the peloton in front, they actually waited. Really big respect to everybody in front. Thanks for your support, guys.”
Medical Clearance and Rivalry Dynamics
Following the stage, team doctor Adrian Rotunno confirmed that Pogačar had been cleared to continue the race. “After a full examination post-stage, fortunately Tadej suffered no serious injury,” Dr. Rotunno stated. “No concussion or fractures. He has some general bruising, and abrasions to his left forearm and hip, but is otherwise OK.”
The incident underscored the camaraderie among top competitors. Ireland’s Ben Healy, who retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey, revealed that he and two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard agreed to wait for Pogačar, recognizing him as a key rival for the title.
Protest Disrupts Stage Finish
As the stage neared its conclusion, a protester wearing a T-shirt with the message “Israel out of the Tour” ran onto the final stretch, waving a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf. The protester was quickly subdued by a security officer, allowing Abrahamsen to edge out Swiss national champion Mauro Schmid in a thrilling two-man sprint.
“I broke my collarbone four weeks ago. I cried at the hospital because I thought I wouldn’t make it to the Tour de France,” Abrahamsen shared. “To stand here in the Tour de France and have won a stage is amazing.”
The protest occurred amid heightened tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Tour organizers declined to comment on the incident, which briefly overshadowed the sporting achievements of the day.
Race Dynamics and Future Stages
The day’s racing began at a frenetic pace, with a five-man breakaway quickly establishing itself ahead of a second group featuring renowned classics specialists Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Eventually, the peloton eased off, allowing the leaders to dictate the race’s outcome.
On the grueling final climb, Abrahamsen and Schmid emerged at the forefront, while van der Poel launched a determined chase but ultimately fell short. The focus now shifts to stage 12, which promises the Tour’s first high-mountain showdown with a summit finish on the legendary Hautacam.
All eyes will be on Pogačar as he recovers from his crash, with anticipation building for the upcoming stages. The Tour de France continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending athletic prowess with unexpected drama.
