Jasper Philipsen Triumphs in Stage 13 of Tour de France Amid Dramatic Sprint Finish

Jasper Philipsen secured victory in stage 13 of the Tour de France, a 165km stretch from Agen to Pau. Philipsen outpaced Wout Van Aert in a thrilling sprint finale despite a crash. Philipsen celebrated his second stage win in four days, marking a significant achievement in the race.

Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck clinched victory in Friday's Stage 13 of the Tour de France, which featured a 165km flat course from Agen to Pau. Philipsen maneuvered past Wout Van Aert in a crash-marred sprint finish to secure his second stage win in just four days.

Van Aert, racing for Visma-Lease a Bike, seemed poised for victory with support from his teammate but was overtaken by Philipsen at a critical moment. Reflecting on the win, Philipsen said, "We already have two stage wins, so it's not a bad Tour. We always want more, but we just have to go day by day and enjoy the victory today." Philipsen had previously won four stages last year.

Another Belgian, Arnaud De Lie, was involved in a crash in the final kilometre, dashing his hopes for a sprint win. Pascal Ackerman finished third, while three-time stage winner Biniam Girmay was fourth.

In the overall standings, Pogacar retained the yellow jersey and remains one minute and six seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel. Jonas Vingegaard trails by a further eight seconds. Pogacar aims to become the first rider in 26 years to complete the Giro d'Italia and Tour double. His fellow Slovenian Primoz Roglic, who was sixth in the standings, had to withdraw from the race following a crash on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)