Carlos Rodriguez signs the third Spanish victory while Pogacar and Vingegaard once again show maximum equality

Carlos Rodríguez wins the fourteenth stage after unhooking the two beasts of the general classification in the final descent. The INEOS rider takes the third Spanish victory in this Tour, while Pogacar and Vingegaard sign a draw after another spectacular duel between the two. The Dane took the bonus on the colossal Joux Plane.

Carlos Rodriguez wins in the Alps and presents his candidacy for the podium in Paris

The fourteenth stage of the Tour was presented as one of those tough Alpine days with everything in favor to provide a great time for those of us sitting on the couch. 152 kilometers and five climbs and two main courses: Ramaz —first category, 50 km from the finish— and Joux Plane —11.6 km at 8.5%—. From here, descent to Morzine and finish.

After Kwiatkowski's victory and with Pogacar picking up a few seconds again in the overall, the gap between the Slovenian and Vingegaard had narrowed to just 9 seconds.

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The day started with a crash that involved more than 30 riders and forced the organization to stop the stage. The wet asphalt could have been the cause of an incident that occurred after only 5 km and knocked out Antonio Pedrero and Louis Meintjes, who broke his collarbone.

Once the race resumed, the attacks to form the breakaway continued until Van den Berg opened a small gap to the peloton. The Dutchman from Groupama was joined by other riders as they climbed the first pass, the third-category Cold de Saxel.

The stage added three new casualties shortly after: Chaves, after a crash, and Shaw and Bardet, who also went to the ground and, in addition, in the case of the Frenchman, the blow left him somewhat concussed.

In the next few minutes, the breakaway was fully formed. 23 riders opened a gap of 30 seconds, while behind it was Jumbo who took responsibility for driving the peloton.

Ciccone took the 10 points on the Col de Cou. The breakaway was tightening its quads and pulling hard, but Jumbo had other plans and was also putting on watts that made it very difficult to extend the lead any further. Such was the pace of the peloton that the breakaway was unable to break the one-minute margin. Even so, the escapees did not give up and stayed a few meters ahead for the next few kilometers.

Landa and Aramburu, along with Ciccone, Pinot, Lopez and Johannessen played the most prominent roles in a breakaway that seemed doomed to be swallowed up too soon.

The crushing pace continued to take its toll and the strength of some of the chased riders began to falter until only 11 riders remained, resisting the tsunami of the peloton with a 20-second margin. Ciccone, Aramburu and Woods were the first to reach the top of Col de Jambaz.

Jumbo tightened the race as much as it could and allowed itself the luxury of saving its best cards for the decisive part of the day. The mission was set with 61 kilometers to go: a neutralized breakaway.

The climb up the Ramaz saw riders who could not keep up with the speed of the front being dropped. The peloton was made up of just a few riders; a scrap that left only 22 survivors. Vingegaard's squad members prepared the ground for their leader, while Pogacar held the wheel.

The climb stretched the group, Van Aert topped out and the descent was made up of even fewer riders: 12 riders, 38 km to the finish. Guerreiro dropped out of the race.

Yates, Guillaume, Harper and Gall rode their hearts out and were able to rejoin the lead with just 4 kilometers to go on the Joux Plane.

The pass started with Kelderman, Van Aert, Grosschartner, Gaudu and Harper losing meters. The Belgian Jumbo rider, however, shifted up a gear and took off at full speed. Shortly after, he handed over to Kuss. Vingegaard, Pogacar, Majka, Adam Yates, Carlos Rodriguez, Hindley and Gall were still in the fight.

Kuss continued his tireless work when the hardest part was still to come and Hindley was giving ground. Meter by meter the hardness punished the legs of those who held the best. Vingegaard, Kuss, Pogacar, Yates and Carlos Rodríguez.

Pogacar signaled to Yates that it was his turn and the Brit went forward and relieved Kuss with a pace that left everyone behind except the two big favorites. Pogacar at 3.7 km. Attack by the Slovenian with which Vingegaard lost 3 seconds.

The yellow jersey stopped the bleeding soon after and the gap stabilized. Battle in the distance. 5 seconds. The gap stayed that way and the remote war ended with an armistice when the yellow jersey reached the Slovenian's wheel. Pogacar and Vingegaard signed a truce that allowed them to prepare the final sprint for the bonuses.

Pogacar's attempted attack was neutralized by the organization's own bikes. In the end, Vingegaard won the sprint with a great change of pace and took the points. Pogacar counterattacked and the Dane responded by sticking in his wake.

Carlos Rodriguez pedaled with everything he had to give chase to the two beasts. He did. And he launched himself into the descent to open a gap. The Andalusian arrived at the finish line with 5 seconds of advantage and achieved a victory that certifies him as a serious contender for the final podium. Pogacar tried with a final sprint but Vingegaard resisted and both crossed the finish line with no more differences than those achieved by the bonuses. 10 seconds and everything open to continue tomorrow with the battle for the yellow.