Abrahamsen shocks sprinters as Pogacar hit the road

NORWAY’S Jonas Abrahamsen claimed a stunning victory on Stage 11 of the Tour de France on Wednesday, outwitting the sprinters to win in Toulouse, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar emerged largely unscathed after a late crash.

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Abrahamsen, who fractured his collarbone just two weeks before the start of the Tour, was part of a long-range breakaway and held off Swiss rider Mauro Schmid in a tactical final dash. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel took third, seven seconds adrift.

“I like to have pain in my legs — I've been like this since I was 15,” said the 28-year-old Uno-X rider, who also earned the combativity award for his relentless effort.

“Thanks to the team who did everything to get me ready in time. They're very good people, and I've been here since 2017.”