Ayuso calls stage 'most complicated' as Tour sets speed record

The 11th stage of the Tour de France set a new speed record with an average of 50.91 km/h, making it the fastest stage in Tour history. Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), fourth overall, described it as "one of the most complicated stages of this Tour so far," citing rainy conditions and slippery roads Source: infobae. The stage was also marked by a strong tailwind and a high pace, which Ayuso said required careful energy management.

Ayuso's Spain celebration

Ayuso took the start wearing a Spain national team jersey, a promise he made before the Euro final against France. He was met with some boos from the French crowd Source: elmundoes. "I'm very happy that Spain reached the final and now I hope they win another World Cup on Sunday," he said, joking that he would quickly remove the jersey before too many French people saw him.

Pogacar's scare

Tadej Pogacar, the overall leader, revealed he nearly crashed when his front wheel hit a discarded water bottle. "I got a huge fright. I could already see myself on the ground! Luckily I managed to straighten the handlebars to stay upright," he said Source: elmundoes. Pogacar also attributed the record speed to strong riders in the breakaway and a tailwind.

The stage was won by Soren Waerenskjold. Ayuso's teammate Mads Pedersen previously won a stage, easing pressure on the team, which also holds the green and white jerseys.