STAGE 14: ANNEMASSE to MORZINE LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, 151.8 km

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THE WINE
Stage 14 raced through the Haute Savoie. The mountains of this stage fragment the vineyards throughout the region. These wines are not well known in the US unless found by travelers to the area or in wine research. Savoie is noted for its white wines, as the mountains’ cool climate makes it challenging for reds to ripen fully. Savoie wines are typically low alcohol, around 12% ABV in cool climate styles. I enjoyed tasting Pinot Noir from the Vin de Savoie sub-appellation: Caveau Savoyard, Vin de Savoie Pinot Noir, 2021. The color is much lighter than Pinot Noir from Burgundy, with aromas and flavors that are fresh and light with balanced textures and a midpalate finish. I encourage you to ask your local wine merchant for wines from this region. There are not a lot of imports from Savoie to the US, but if you find one, try it! 

Caveau Savoyard, Vin de Savoie, 2021 Pinot Noir. by Lisa Kolick

THE RACE
At the end of Stage 14, Vingegaard retained his lead in the overall race, Pogacar was second, behind by 10 seconds, and Rodriguez Cano moved into 3rd. Today’s race was a blockbuster. 

Rodriguez WINS! by A.S.O. LeTour

Accidents and breakaways highlighted stage 14. At 6.5km, an accident with many riders caused the race to stop for 30 minutes. Once the race restarted, numerous breakaway attempts occurred before Jumbo-Visma took the lead in the peloton. Jumbo-Visma pulled and pushed the peloton at a high tempo all day. Several more accidents happened during the race, taking several high-profile racers out. As with most days during the second week of the Tour de France, the stage was won in the last 2 km of the race. Adam Yates (Pogacar’s teammate) joined Vingegaard and Pogacar to lead them to about 1km; when Pogacar accelerated away from Vingegaard and took 2nd in the race, Vingegaard was 3rd. The winner of Stage 14 was breakaway rider CARLOS RODRIGUEZ CANO (team Ineos Grenadiers). Check out Stage 14 highlights. 

Tomorrow the race will be in the high mountains again. Vingegaard and Pogacar are 10 seconds apart. This should be another barnburner of a stage. Sante!