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Jordan Jegat secures top 10 finish in Tour de France

Jordan Jegat finished in 10th place during stage 20, overtaking Ben O'Connor.

July 26, 2025 at 04:56 PM

There was a GC battle on stage 20 of the Tour de France, just not the one we expected

Jordan Jegat claims the 10th spot in a surprising turn of events during stage 20 of the Tour de France.

Jordan Jegat earns surprise top 10 finish in Tour de France

In a twist during stage 20 of the Tour de France, Jordan Jegat of TotalEnergies surged to a top 10 finish, overtaking Ben O'Connor of Jayco AlUla, who had held the position until the final stretch. Despite a four-minute gap behind the leader, Tadej Pogačar, this stage did not see the climactic battles often expected in Grand Tours. After a crash disrupted O'Connor's early race, he found himself unexpectedly back in the top 10 after winning stage 18. However, as Jegat gained distance in the race, Jayco AlUla struggled to keep pace and ended frustrated by their inability to secure O'Connor's ranking. Ultimately, Jegat finished the stage well ahead of the peloton, marking a significant achievement for his team. Cycling's fans may not typically celebrate the 10th place finish, but for Jegat, it represents a substantial career milestone.

Key Takeaways

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Jordan Jegat achieved an unexpected top 10 finish in the Tour de France.

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Ben O'Connor fell from 10th place late in the race, creating disappointment for his team.

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Jegat’s finish represents a significant breakthrough for a rider previously less recognized.

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Team dynamics play a crucial role in the pursuit of minor placements in major events.

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Recognition in cycling often extends beyond the podium to include significant placings.

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The emotional significance of a top 10 finish can vary widely between riders.

"At its core, the initial objective was to win a stage."

TotalEnergies' team director reflects on their goals for the race.

"His mentality pushed him to make the top 10. It's super for the team."

Lylian Le Breton praises Jegat’s determination and achievement.

"I didn't really have much left. We were fighting for it, but it wasn't meant to be."

O'Connor's teammate shares insights on their challenging race.

"Now, our aim is to keep the Jordan Jegat that we know, and protect him a bit."

Le Breton discusses the importance of supporting Jegat moving forward.

This stage's surprising shift highlights the competitive spirit within professional cycling, even when top contenders are not battling for the first place. While the focus is often on podium finishes, the intricacies of riders fighting for minor spots can reveal deeper narratives of personal and team aspirations. For teams like TotalEnergies, securing a top 10 finish can be as impactful as a stage win, particularly for a less-known cyclist like Jegat. O'Connor's disappointment reflects the emotional toll of constant competition, suggesting that even minor placings can weigh heavily on riders used to higher acclaim. This adds a layer of complexity to the sport—a reminder that every position can shape a rider's career trajectory.

Highlights

A top 10 finish can change everything for a rider like Jegat.
In cycling, every position can tell a story of resilience and ambition.
O'Connor's fall from 10th speaks volumes about the pressure elite cyclists face.
For Jegat, this result might open doors he never thought possible.

Frustration at shifting results in Tour de France

The fall from 10th place may have political and emotional repercussions for teams whose expectations shift dramatically. The pressure on athletes in high-stakes competitions can lead to significant backlash when performance does not align with goals.

As the Tour de France concludes, the focus shifts to the next season and each rider's future opportunities.

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cycling tour de france jordan jegat ben o'connor totalenergies sports cycling

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