Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates kept a firm hold on the Tour de France during stage 10, fending off multiple attacks from rivals.
Competitors including Ben O'Connor, Javier Romo, Harold Tejada, and Richard Carapaz launched aggressive moves at the front, but the 27-year-old Slovenian leader neutralized them efficiently.
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Visma-Lease A Bike tried to challenge the leading team on the Col de Pertus, using Davide Piganzoli to set the pace for Jonas Vingegaard.
The effort highlighted the gap between challengers and the overwhelming strength of UAE Team Emirates in the mountains.
Pogacar's continued victories drew mixed reactions from roadside spectators, with most cheering the leader while a minority expressed dissatisfaction.
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Focus Shifts to Sprinters
The competition now turns to the points classification during a 161.3-kilometer flat stage with 1,400 meters of climbing.
Sprint-focused teams are preparing to control the peloton to prevent breakaway attempts before the finish in Nevers.
Alpecin-Premier Tech aims to position Jasper Philipsen for success, while NSN works to support Biniam Girmay in pursuit of stage wins.
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Tim Merlier remains a strong contender for a third victory after showing good form through the previous mountain terrain.
