The scenes couldn't be more different on a golden evening in Nice on a warm Sunday evening. On one side, cheers, water being thrown, lots of hugs, a whole team wearing specially designed t-shirts. On the other, silence, a word from a partner, and acceptance of disappointment. As the Patrouille de France - the French Red Arrows - flew overhead in the colours of the tricolor, the dichotomy was clear.
That's the cruelty of winning or losing in individual sport. It's all or nothing. Tadej Pogačar, after two consecutive editions where he had to deal with the ignominy of winning, was able to finally taste victory again at the Tour de France, while Jonas Vingegaard had to stand there, watch his greatest rival celebrate.
