S14 Ep70: Raging Bull

The Cycling Podcast56mJune 16, 2026

AI-Generated Summary

Paul Sexas' dramatic crash during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes—where he slid at 70km/h on a gravel descent, suffered severe hand injuries, and still chased back to the yellow jersey group—became the defining moment of a race that defied expectations. Far from a predictable showdown between favorites, the week unfolded as a chaotic, unpredictable rollercoaster where no team truly controlled the race, and the narrative shifted from Sexas as the undisputed favorite to Isaac Del Toro emerging as a masterclass in tactical patience and resilience. The episode dissects not just the crash and its aftermath, but the deeper implications: how adversity reveals character, how team dynamics expose vulnerabilities (like Decathlon’s lack of aggression), and how a single moment of human error can recalibrate global anticipation. Ultimately, the race served as a crucial reality check—not just for Sexas, but for the entire cycling world—proving that the Tour de France’s true drama lies not in flawless performances, but in the raw, unscripted moments of struggle and redemption. The episode also highlights the rise of under-the-radar stars: Luke Tuckwell’s emotional yellow jersey win, Liam Slock’s accidental Superman-style finish, and Del Toro’s quiet dominance.

Key Takeaways

Paul Sexas' crash at 70km/h on a gravel descent left his hands 'ripped to shreds'—yet he still chased back to the yellow jersey group, proving extraordinary resilience.

Decathlon’s failure to control the race stemmed from inexperience and lack of aggression, especially during the 60-rider break on stage six, which cost them the GC lead.

Isaac Del Toro won the race not through aggression, but through patience and timing—waiting until the final climb to launch a solo attack that secured both stage and overall victory.

The crash and subsequent chase became a defining moment for French cycling, tempering the hype around Sexas and revealing him as a human being, not a flawless prodigy.

Liam Slock’s first professional win came in a bizarre Superman-style fall across the line—front wheel skidding out, bike and rider sliding back-first, yet still registering a win.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

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