Category: Daily Tour de France

In a breathtaking display of grit and determination, today marked an action-packed Stage 11 of this year’s Tour de France as cyclists embarked on a challenging road journey from Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran. Spanning a grueling distance of 211 kilometers across diverse landscapes, riders faced formidable mountain passes such as Pas de Peyrol and Col du Perthus. The day’s parcours tested the cyclists’ endurance, with two notorious ascents shaping the general classification.

As they set off from the picturesque town of Évaux-les-Bains in central France, nestled within the verdant Auvergne region renowned for its thermal spas and Roman heritage, riders knew that a relentless assault on their legs lay ahead. The first 100 kilometers were relatively flat, allowing the peloton to settle into a rhythm before the climbing began in earnest. Pas de Peyrol, an intimidating 11-kilometer ascent with gradients reaching 12%, provided a playground for breakaway specialists aiming to distance themselves from the chasing pack.

Vingegaard Takes Stage 11 Victory at Tour de France

In an exhilarating finale to Stage 11 of the Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard, a Danish rider standing tall at 1.75 meters and weighing in at a lean 58 kilograms, emerged victorious for Team Visma | Lease a Bike with an close margin over his closest rivals Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel by just 25 seconds. Vingegaard’s victory marks another milestone in an impressive career trajectory that has seen him rise to prominence since making his professional debut. Winner of the last Tour de France, he continuously proves himself as a force on the road this season despite his physical problems.

Pogačar Holds Yellow, Vingegaard Closes In on Evenepoel

Tadej Pogačar continues to assert his dominance in the Tour de France, maintaining a firm grip on the yellow jersey without any time gains or losses from his closest competitors. However, the battle for the podium intensifies behind him as Jonas Vingegaard made significant strides, gaining 25 seconds on Remco Evenepoel. This impressive performance brings Vingegaard within striking distance of second place, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry in the upcoming stages. As the race unfolds, the evolving dynamics among these top contenders promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

a sprint stage before the Pyrenees

Tomorrow’s Stage 12 from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot presents an intriguing enigma, with its unknown terrain and outcome still shrouded in suspense as we head into the second half of the Tour de France over a challenging 204-kilometer distance. As anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling spectacle, keep an eye on Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier, or Fabio Jakobsen who are potential contenders should the stage favor their sprinting abilities.

Departing from the historic city of Orléans in France’s Loire Valley region, Stage 10 of the Tour de France presented a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes and challenging terrain as riders made their way to Saint-Amand-Montrond. Known for its rich history and stunning Gothic architecture, Orléans set an impressive backdrop for this road stage that demanded unwavering endurance from the world’s top cyclists.

With no famous mountain passes in sight, it was the flat landscapes dotted with fields, meadows and charming villages between Orleans and Saint-Amand-Montrond that tested the riders’ mettle and tactical prowess. As they navigated through vineyangs and medieval towns nestled within the heart of France, competitors battled fiercely for victory in a stage characterized by its final sprint.

Jasper Philipsen: The Belgian Sprint Specialist wins Stage 10

Jasper Philipseen, the Belgian sprint specialist for Alpecin-Deceuninck, has been making a significant impact in professional cycling since his debut with Hagens Berman Axeon in 2018. Over the years, he’s shown remarkable progression and consistency, culminating in an impressive performance at this year’s Tour de France Stage 10 where he secured victory over strong contenders like Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Wanty (already winner of 2 stages) and Pascal Ackermann of Israel-PremierTech. Philipsen’s journey began with a solid foundation in his first season, accumulating 267.5 sprinter points across various competitions. His career took off when he joined UAE Team Emirates in 2019, amassing over 440 sprinter points and 243 climber points. Joining Alpecin-Fenix proved to be a turning point as Philipsen gathered an impressive total of over 1000 sprinter points across the years while maintaining his peak physical condition in both sprints and climbs, indicating that he is firmly establishing himself amongst cycling’s elite.

Pogačar Holds Firm as Sprint Stage Maintains GC Status Quo

In a stage dominated by sprinting dynamics, the general classification remains unchanged, with Tadej Pogačar firmly retaining the yellow jersey. None of his closest rivals managed to gain or lose a single second, underscoring the tightly controlled nature of today’s racing. As the Tour de France progresses, Pogačar’s consistent leadership continues to pose a formidable challenge to contenders such as Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, and Primoz Roglic, all of whom maintain their positions in pursuit of the yellow jersey. The stage’s outcome reaffirms the strategic patience of the top contenders, preserving the suspense for future stages where tactics and terrain may play pivotal roles in altering the standings.

Back to the mountains of central France

Tomorrow’s Stage 11 of the Tour de France presents an arduous challenge as riders tackle a mountainous ride from Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran, featuring significant ascents through volcanic terrain over 211 kilometers. This demanding course is expected to favor climbers and mountain specialists such as Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič who have demonstrated their prowess on similar routes in recent Grand Tours. With both Pogačar’s remarkable strength and form and Roglič’s ability to handle steep gradients and maintain high speeds on descents, tomorrow’s race promises an exciting battle between these two titans of climbing prowess amidst the unpredictable nature of the Tour de France.

Stage 7 of the Tour de France offered a thrilling display of cycling excellence in Burgundy’s heart, as riders embarked on an Individual Time Trial between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin. This unique challenge allowed competitors to showcase their time trial abilities.

The picturesque countryside setting provided a backdrop for this test of mettle, as riders departed Nuits-Saint-Georges with determination in their eyes and crossed the finish line at Gevrey-Chambertin—a celebration of French culture and heritage. As Stage eby contrast, it is clear that today’s stage demanded every ounce of strength from each rider, providing a nail-biting finish with overall standings poised on a knife’s edge. In this year’s edition of the Tour de France, Stage 7 served not only as a test of cycling prowess but also to enhance Burgundy’s idyllic vineyards.

Remco Evenepoel’s Meteoric Rise to Cycling Greatness

Remco Evenepoel’s meteoric rise in professional cycling continued with his dominant victory on stage seven of the Tour de France, where he beat rivals Pogacar and Roglic by 12 seconds and 34 seconds respectively. The Belgian phenom from Soudal Quick-Step has established himself as a versatile racer since bursting onto the scene with Deceuninck – Quick Step in 2019, amassing impressive climber, general classification (GC), and one-day race PCS points.

In recent years, Evenepoel’s physical attributes of a weight of 61kg and height of 1.71m have been complemented by an unwavering mental fortitude and relentless pursuit for excellence in the sport. In 2023, he scored nearly 3,500 PCS points in all disciplines, making him one of this year’s best cyclists. As he progresses with Soudal Quick-Step, Evenepoel’s potential as a future Tour de France champion and World Champion becomes increasingly apparent. His latest victory serves as yet another testament to his prowess and determination in reaching new heights within professional cycling.

Fierce competition for the yellow jersey

In today’s time-trial stage, the top four in the general classification mirrored the day’s results, with Remco Evenepoel regaining a few crucial seconds on Tadej Pogačar. As this year’s overall competition gradually takes shape, it is becoming evident that the battle for the yellow jersey will likely involve four key cyclists: Pogačar, who still holds the coveted jersey, Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, and Primoz Roglic. These four riders have consistently demonstrated their prowess, setting the stage for a thrilling contest as the Tour progresses.

Stage 8: a stage where anything is possible

Tomorrow’s stage of the Tour de France promises to be an exhilarating test of climbing prowess and endurance over a challenging distance of 183.4 km, featuring five notable ascents from Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Skilled climbers such as Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel are likely contenders for victory, with their impressive abilities making them strong candidates in this demanding road stage. However, the final three kilometers present an opportunity for regrouping before a potential thrilling sprint finish, where sprinters like Sam Bennett and Fabio Jakobsen could excel amidst the fierce competition.

On a captivating 163.5-kilometer road stage from Mâcon to Dijon during Stage 6 of this year’s Tour de France, top cyclists showcased their skill and determination amidst picturesque French landscapes. With no significant mountain passes in sight, the day was marked by multiple sprint sections that tested riders’ endurance and strategic abilities as they navigated rolling hills and charming towns like Rully, Merceuil, and Talant.

The starting point, historic Mâcon, offered a scenic backdrop with its impressive cathedral and vineyards producing some of the world’s finest wines. As cyclists embarked on their journey towards Dijon—known for its rich architectural heritage and gastronomic delights—the ancient city marked another thrilling chapter in Tour de France history. Despite challenging terrain, riders vied fiercely for precious points in the green jersey competition while maintaining strong sprinting abilities throughout the stage’s varied landscapes.

Dylan Groenewegen Dominates Tour de France Stage with Impressive Sprinting Display

In an exhilarating display of sprinting prowess during Stage adered by a fierce competition in this year’s Tour de France. Dylan Groenewegen, hailing from the Netherlands and standing at 1.77 meters tall with a weight of 70 kilograms, has has delivered an outstanding performance today at Tour de France by winning the stage. Since his debut in 2015, his journey is adorned with significant achievements, including impressive PCS sprinting points scored across all competitions. Notably, he scored 780 PCS sprint points last year. As he continues with Jayco AlUla, fans eagerly anticipate further milestones in what promises to be an exciting chapter for the Dutch sprint champion. Currently standing as a strong contender for the green jersey with 71 points, placing him in 7th place.

Little change yet at G.C.

Following another sprint stage, the general classification remains unchanged, with Tadej Pogačar still donning the yellow jersey as the race advances to Stage 7 of the Tour de France. The relatively calm day did little to shake up the standings, allowing Pogačar to maintain his lead.

Top Riders Set to Dominate Individual Time Trial

All eyes are on tomorrow’s challenging 25-kilometer individual time trial from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin. This stage demands exceptional skill and precision, setting the scene for a fiercely competitive showdown among top timetrialists like Adam Yates, Remco Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič who are expected to be at the forefront of this exhilarating race. With their impressive track records in time trials, these riders will undoubtedly showcase their expertise as they aim for success on this demanding course. As we eagerly anticipate tomorrow’s event, the Tour de France continues to captivate us with its unpredictable twists and turns, leaving fans in suspense until the very end of this remarkable competition.

In Stage 5 of this year’s Tour de France, cycling legends embarked on a picturesque journey from the historic town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to the charming commune of Saint-Vulbas. Spanning an undulating distance of 177.4 kilometers through southeast France’s enchanting Alpine landscape, this tranquil stage offered riders a well-deserved respite after the demanding mountain ascents encountered in previous legs.

Devoid of formidable peaks or significant vertical drops, the route allowed cyclists to showcase their strategic prowess and maintain energy levels as they navigated through rural France’s verdant valleys and quaint villages. With Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne serving as a fitting starting point—boasting medieval architecture set against stunning vistas of the French Alps—the peloton was greeted by a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

As spectators around the world tuned in to witness each exhilarating moment, Stage 5 offered a testament not only to the cyclists’ abilities but also showcased the captivating allure of one of the most prestigious sporting events on the global stage.

Manx Missile Strikes Again

Mark Cavendish, the legendary British sprinter, continues to demonstrate his exceptional prowess at age 39 on the cycling world stage as he claimed victory in Stage 5 of this year’s Tour de France with Astana Qazaqstan Team. This remarkable win marks another milestone in Cavendish’s illustrious career spanning over 15 years and seven teams, bringing his total stage victories at the Tour to an impressive tally (35 wins on the Tour)- a testament to his enduring talent and relentless pursuit of glory on sprint circuits. Known affectionately as ‘The Manx Missile,’ Cavendish has consistently adapted through changing circumstances, with no signs of slowing down as he looks forward to adding more triumphs, including another potential 2024 Tour de France win ?

The fight for the yellow jersey postponed

Following a relatively tranquil phase, the general classification remains unchanged as Tadej Pogačar holds onto the yellow jersey going into Stage 6 of the Tour de France. The two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard and his former teammate Primoz Roglic continue to closely monitor Pogačar from behind, maintaining a persistent challenge in the overall standings. This stability sets the stage for an anticipated escalation in intensity as the race progresses, with each stage bringing new strategic maneuvers and opportunities for the contenders to assert their dominance on cycling’s grandest stage.

Stage 6 of Tour de France: A Thrilling Sprint-Focused Stage in the Côte Chalonnaise

As we approach Stage grower sprint-focused stage, with its journey through the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise, promises to be an exhilarating ride for fans of quick turns and fast finishes, making it an ideal opportunity for top contenders like Jasper Philipsen, Fabio Jakobsen, and Alexander Kristoff. Nevertheless, we’re not immune to another surprise, as we’ve seen in recent days with Cavendish and Girmay. With no major mountain passes to contend with, the focus will be on speed and endurance as these world-class sprinters vie for victory at Dijon over a distance of approximately 163 kilometers from Mâcon. Keep your eyes peeled for this thrilling contest where strategy and skill will determine who takes the win in tomorrow’s Stage 6 of the Tour de France.

On Stage 4 of this year’s Tour de France, a grueling 139.6km mountain stage from Pinerolo, Italy to Valloire, France tested riders as they navigated high-altitude terrain and legendary climbs in the picturesque Savoie region. The peloton faced formidable challenges like Montgenèvre, Col du Lautaret, and the infamous Col du Galibier – each offering their own unique obstacles that pushed riders to their limits against nature’s unforgiving forces. With every pedal stroke on this arduous journey through three renowned mountain passes, cyclists etched their names into Tour de France history amidst breathtaking landscapes across the Alps.

Pogačar’s Dominant Performance: UAE Team Emirates’ Star Rider Shines at Tour de France

Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar continues his dominance in this year’s Tour de France with a thrilling Stage win for UAE Team Emirates, where he narrowly outpaced rivals by 35 seconds. This impressive feat adds to his already remarkable tally of stage wins since 2018 and solidifies Pogačar’s position as one of the top riders in professional cycling. Supported by a formidable team including Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Adam Yates, all of whom finished in the top 15 of the race, Pogačar’s success is a testament to their collective strength and strategy. With a physique that combines agility and power, the athlete has quickly risen through the ranks with an impressive increase in his PCS climbing points over recent years: from 144 points in 2018 to 1700+ points in 2023. Since 2019, he has consistently scored over 1,000 annual climbing points. Demonstrating a diverse skill set across various disciplines, Pogačar’s versatility and unwavering determination have positioned him as an undeniable force within the peloton.

Pogačar reclaims the yellow jersey

With this victory, Tadej Pogačar has reclaimed the yellow jersey, once again asserting his dominance in the Tour de France. His exceptional performance allowed him to outrun several key rivals, notably leaving Richard Carapaz trailing by several minutes. Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard remain formidable contenders, both less than a minute behind Pogačar. This narrow margin keeps the competition fierce as the race progresses, but for now, Pogačar’s triumph has solidified his lead and demonstrated his remarkable prowess on the road.

Tour de France: Sprinters Eye Victory in Flat Stage 5

Tomorrow, we’ll see the riders tackle Stage 5, a transition stage with minimal elevation gain. Departing from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, they’ll arrive in Saint-Vulbas after covering a distance of 177.4 kilometers. With no famous mountain passes to contend with, this stage is likely to be a sprinter’s delight. With this in mind and considering our options from among the top contenders, the upcoming stage could very well see Jasper Philipsen, Dylan Groenewegen, Gerben Thijssen or Fabio Jakobsen win. Their sprinting prowess combined with the relatively flat terrain should give them an advantage here. However, we will have to wait and see how things pan out on tomorrow’s stage!

Today marked a pivotal moment in this year’s Tour de France as Stage 3 unfolded from the historic city of Plaisance to the grandeur of Turin. The peloton embarked on an invigorating journey through approximately 200-250 kilometers of picturesque Italian countryside, characterized by rolling hills and undulating terrain that mirrored a masterpiece in progress.

Despite the absence of iconic mountain passes or dramatic vertical drops, the challenges faced today were nonetheless formidable. From the early kilometers to the final sprint in Turin, every second counted as competitors vied for position and battled to conserve energy ahead of future tests on France’s roads.

This grueling test of endurance offered a crucial morale booster for any rider hoping to make their mark on this year’s Tour de France. The landscape, with its charming medieval architecture juxtaposed against lush greenery and quaint vineyards, provided an inspiring backdrop.

Biniam Girmay Claims Thrilling Victory at Stage 3 of Tour de France

In an electrifying conclusion to Stage 3 of the Tour de France, Biniam Girmay of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty claimed a nail-biting victory against his rivals. The Eritrean powerhouse cyclist showcased sheer tenacity and skill by outpacing second-placed Fernando Gaviria from Movistar Team and third-place Alvaro del Valle of Lotto Dstnie, securing a dominant lead with less than a second separating them at the finish line. Since turning pro in 2020 Girmay has consistently risen through the ranks, amassing an impressive total of sprinter points, but also his standout performance as both a sprinter and climber with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux in 2022 which was its most successful year. As Girmay’s contract extends until at least 2024 with the same team, he continues to build a reputation as an all-around athlete and leaves fans eagerly anticipating his continued growth in both stage races and one-day classics.

Little change in the overall ranking

Characterized by its flat terrain culminating in a high-speed final sprint, the overall ranking remained almost unchanged in terms of time, maintaining the intense competition among the top contenders. Tadej Pogačar, who had been a dominant force, lost his yellow jersey to Richard Carapaz from the team EF Education Easypost, yet the two remain neck-and-neck, separated by a mere second. This razor-thin margin underscores the relentless battle for supremacy, promising more dramatic shifts as the race progresses.

Elite Cyclists Face Uphill Battle in Demanding Mountain Stage

As Stage amo of Tour de France 2024 looms on the horizon, the peloton braces for an exhilarating mountainous challenge with tomorrow’s route stretching from Pinerolo to Valloire. This demanding 139.6-kilometer stage is set to test endurance and climbing prowess across formidable ascents like Galibier, Montgenèvre, and Lautaret in the French Alps. While it’s challenging to predict a definitive winner amidst the Tour’s inherent unpredictability, riders Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič emerge as strong contenders due to their impressive performances in similar terrain during previous races. As spectators eagerly anticipate race day, these elite cyclists will strive for victory amidst the grueling high-altitude racing experience that this stage promises to deliver.

Stage 2 of the Tour de France offered a captivating road stage journey from the picturesque coastal town of Cesenatico to Bologna’s historic city. Cyclists embarked on this challenge with no specific mountain passes but faced an undulating terrain and two demanding ascents up the iconic San Luca sanctuary in Emilia-Romagna’s rolling countryside.

The last 40-kilometer run to Bologna demanded not only mental fortitude from riders as they navigated these climbs but also physical endurance, testing their prowess against each other and the course itself. As competitors showcased their strategic racing acumen during this thrilling stage in Italy, a finish line awaited them amidst Bologna’s medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage—a testament to the Tour de France experience that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Vauquelin Secures Victory at Tour de France Stage

In an exhilarating Stage 2 of the Tour de France, Kévin Vauquelin emerged victorious on behalf of Team Arkéa-B&H Hotels, narrowly outpacing his closest competitor Jannecke Abrahamsen by a mere 0’36”. Born in France and rising through the ranks since joining Team Arkéa Samsic in 2022, Vauquelin has established himself as an exceptional all-round cyclist. Despite having zero points in sprints this year, he proved his adaptability by accruing a remarkable total of 138.5 climber PCS points and demonstrating consistent growth in one-day-race discipline with a score of 77.0 in 2022, 160 in 2023 and already 209 in 2024. As Vauquelin transitioned to Arkéa – B&B Hotels, he continued his impressive performance, his relentless determination and unyielding spirit are evident as he continues to make headlines, undoubtedly setting his sights on even greater achievements in professional cycling.

Return of the yellow jersey on Pogacar’s shoulders

Romain Bardet relinquished his coveted yellow jersey, finishing six seconds behind the formidable Tadej Pogačar. After a stellar performance at the Giro d’Italia, there were murmurs of doubt regarding Pogačar’s freshness for the Tour. However, his performance has put those doubts to rest, as Pogačar now stands at the forefront of the race, sharing an identical total time with Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Richard Carapaz. This tight contest sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown, with Pogačar proving that he is very much in contention and ready to tackle the challenges ahead in cycling’s most prestigious race.

A first opportunity for pure sprinters ?

Stage 3 presents an enticing flat course from Plaisance to Turin, spanning aturi: Tomorrow’s stage is set for an electrifying sprint finish as the peloton embarks on a challenging yet thrilling journey across a 225km flat terrain. Sprinter extraordinaires Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier are primed to showcase their formidable skills, making them strong contenders for victory in this gripping contest of cycling’s elite. However, with other talented speedsters like Fabio Jakobsen also poised for triumph, fans can expect a nail-biting battle that will undoubtedly keep everyone on the edge of their seats as we eagerly anticipate who will emerge victorious in Turin.

Today marked a pivotal moment in this year’s Tour de France as Stage 1 took riders on an exhilarating journey from Florence to Rimini. This challenging route spanned through Italy and the independent principality of San Marino, showcasing stunning landscapes, historical cities, and picturesque villages along the way.

With a total vertical drop of 3,800 meters, the stage tested riders’ endurance as they navigated steep inclines and descents across varied terrain. The absence of categorized climbs meant that no significant gains or losses were made in the general classification, setting up an intense battle for stage victories among top contenders.

Beginning amidst Florence’s iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, cyclists embarked on a memorable adventure through Italy’s rolling hills before crossing into San Marino’s ancient architecture and medieval towers. The peloton concluded their arduous journey in Rimini, famed for its sandy beaches along the Adriatic Coast.

As spectators lined the route between these vibrant cities, they bore witness to an unforgettable display of determination and athleticism that truly encapsulses the spirit of the Tour de France at its finest. With the race’s next leg just around the corner, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of this thrilling Grand Tour.

Bardet Claims Maiden Tour de France Victory in Stage 1

Romain Bardet claimed victory in Stage 1 of the Tour de France for Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL with a remarkable performance that secured him his first win on this year’s event. The French rider demonstrated impressive form, dominating the field and crossing the line ahead of teammates Van Den Broek in second place and Van Aert of Team Visma|Lease Bike in third. Since his debut with AG2R La Mondiale in 2012, Bardet has showcased consistent improvement across various disciplines including climbing stages, one-day races, and time trials, amassing an impressive tally of PCS points throughout the years. He has left his mark on professional road racing with a series of top 10 overall rankings or podium finishes in Grand Tours like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. As he continues to hone his skills with Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL, Bardet remains a formidable competitor who consistently challenges for overall glory in the pelotam.

Bardet Seizes Yellow Jersey

This outstanding performance earned Bardet not only the well-deserved winner’s laurels but also the coveted Yellow Jersey, symbolizing his newfound status as the Tour leader. It was a fitting reward for Bardet’s dominance throughout this crucial opening stage that set the tone for an exciting race ahead. Notably, favorites competitors like Tadej Pogačar or Primož Roglič managed to maintain their positions without any significant losses (15′), keeping the tight contest alive as they trailed behind Bardet in the General Classification. With these early standings, it’s clear that this year’s Tour de France is shaping up to be a fierce battle among some of cycling’amoons best talents.

Electrifying Sprint Ahead: Tour de France Stage 2

Tomorrow, the Tour de France moves forward from Cesenatico to Bologna along an evenly flat 200km circuit with a double loop finale hinting at a sprint finish. Given its profile and length, this could be a prime opportunity for sprinters to shine in tomorrow’s stage. Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier, and Fabio Jakobsen are the top contenders among them due to their proven track records in similar stages. Their explosive power and tactical acumen will likely see them at the forefront of the final dash for victory.