Julian Alaphilippe, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert do not race to a script, a hallmark of their roots in the brief, intense winter version of road racing
Along with Tadej Pogacar’s precocious talent and Mark Cavendish’s astonishing comeback, the 2021 Tour de France has turned into a race marked by three influential all-rounders: Julian Alaphilippe, winner of stage one; Mathieu van der Poel, victor of stage two and yellow jersey for six stages before pulling out on Monday; and Wout van Aert, who dominated the toughest mountain stage of the entire race on Wednesday, winning the stage to Malaucène after two ascents of the dreaded Mont Ventoux.
Related: Bauke Mollema climbs to win as Tadej Pogacar tightens Tour de France grip
Related: Mark Cavendish equals Merckx’s record with 34th Tour de France stage win
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