POLIGNY, France — Matej Mohorič edged Kasper Asgreen in a photo finish to win the Tour de France’s 19th stage while defending champion Jonas Vingegaard protected his commanding lead on Friday.
Mohorič covered his face as he broke down and sobbed with the confirmation that he finished just ahead of his rival for his third ever stage win. He also fought tears during the award ceremony.
The Slovenian rider had already embraced Asgreen after they crossed the line. Asgreen won Thursday’s stage in another sprint finish.
Australian cyclist Ben O’Connor was first among the three breakaways to attack for the line but he was overhauled by Mohorič and Asgreen, who seemed to cross at the same time.
Both riders were clocked at 3 hours, 31 minutes, 2 seconds. O’Conner was third, 4 seconds behind.
Yellow jersey holder Vingegaard finished among his Jumbo-Visma teammates and remained the clear favorite to claim his second Tour victory on Sunday. The Danish rider enjoys a lead of 7 minutes, 35 seconds over two-time champion Tadej Pogačar after taking control of the race in the Alps.
Two stages remain including Sunday’s finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
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