Fred Wright said he was “inspired” by the exploits of Tom Pidcock on Alpe d’Huez on Thursday as he was close to winning a maiden grand tour stage on Friday.
Wright (Bahrain-Victorious) finished second on stage 13 from Le Bourg d’Oisans to Saint-Etienne, well beaten by former world champion Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) in a sprint of three at the end. But the signs are encouraging.
The 23-year-old South Londoner is enjoying a brilliant second Tour de France after making his debut last year. His growing confidence is evidenced by the fact that he has made the break three times in the past week.
Wright was the last to surrender as the break was swallowed up on the road to Lausanne last Saturday and came within 3km of the finish. He finished ninth on Tuesday, battling for victory on a tough stage to Megève.
Friday was his best effort yet, even as Pedersen – the 2019 road world champion – always seemed to be in control after reducing the six-man leading group to just three riders with an attack 12km from the finish. The Dane led the sprint and never really seemed in danger of losing.