While sweltering temperatures forced numerous domestiques from teams like UAE Emirates-XRG and Movistar to deliberately ease up and conserve energy for upcoming stages, the late arrival of Nys and Double did not appear to be a tactical maneuver.
Thibau Nys and Paul Double Drift Home 31 Minutes Back
Sweltering Heat and Contrasting Fortunes
Nys, riding for Lidl-Trek, has enjoyed a strong run in Spain, securing a third-place finish on stage 15 just days prior, alongside another third-place podium earlier in the race.
In contrast, Double has struggled to find consistent footing throughout the three-week tour, finishing inside the top 115 riders on only three occasions.
The Mid-Race Rest Day Disruption
According to race analysis, the mid-race rest day appears to have disrupted the rhythm of both riders rather than refreshing them.
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The exact nature of any physical ailments remains unconfirmed, but the timing leaves little room for recovery.
The Race Against the Clock Ahead
The peloton faces a transitional flat stage on Wednesday, followed by a demanding individual time trial exceeding 32 kilometers on Thursday.
Both riders will need to assess their recovery quickly as the race compresses toward its final destination.
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