The 2023 Tour de France was a rollercoaster of victories, heartbreaking moments, and unfortunately, some serious crashes. From tough climbs to rain-soaked slopes, this iconic race had it all—including some incidents that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let's take a look at the key moments that defined this race, focusing on French cyclist Clément Champoussin, the chaos of stage 20, and the wider landscape of cycling accidents.
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| Clément Champoussin navigates thrilling Stage 20 in Tour de France. |
Clément Champoussin: Rising Star in the Tour de France
A talented French cyclist born in Nice in 1998, Clément Champoussin will showcase his climbing ability at the 2023 Tour de France with Arkéa-Samsic. Best known for his win in the 2021 Vuelta a España stage, Champoussin was a domestique and breakaway contender rather than a general classification (GC) contender. Although he did not shine on the leaderboard, his efforts to support teammates such as Warren Barguil and chase down breakaways highlighted his potential. Want to know about his journey? Champoussin’s composure and climbing skills make him one to watch in pro cycling events.
Stage 20 Tour de France: Highlights and Heart-Pounding Moments
Stage 20, held on July 22, 2023, was a tough 133.5-km mountain stage from Belfort to Le Markstein Fellering, featuring six categorised climbs in the Vosges mountains. Tadej Pogacar stole the show with a sprint finish, beating Jonas Vingegaard in a dramatic tie. But wet, slippery slopes turned the stage into a landmine, leading to numerous accidents. Although no major accident involving Clement Champoussin was widely reported here, the stage's dangerous conditions kept riders on high alert. Do you want to relive this thrilling experience? Platforms like NBC Sports and Peacock provide exciting highlights of Stage 20.
Tour de France 2023: Cycling Accidents That Shocked Fans
Accidents are an unfortunate reality in the Tour de France, and 2023 was no exception. From the spectator-caused accident on the first stage that left Marc Soler with two broken arms, to the wet slopes on the fifth stage that forced Enric Mas and Richard Carapaz to abandon the race, the race was full of dangers. Louis Mentez withdrew from the race after a crash on the fourth stage, and the chaos of the final kilometer of the seventeenth stage left the sprinters shaken. Although crashes were few in Stage 20, rain made the slopes treacherous, and minor accidents plagued the peloton. For a deeper look, watch NBC Sports' cycling accident analysis on Peacock.
Was There a Clément Champoussin Crash in Stage 20
A recent post by Eurosport France (dated July 26, 2025) mentions a crash involving Champoussin in the 2025 Tour de France, in which he slid out and narrowly avoided being hit by a motorcycle. However, for 2023, none of the major sources such as Cyclingnews, BBC Sport or NBC Sports have confirmed a high-profile crash involving Clément Champoussin in Stage 20. It is possible that a minor incident was overlooked or that the 2025 reference has caused confusion. If you are looking for footage of the Tour de France crash, recaps of Stage 20 on letour.fr or NBC's YouTube channel capture tense moments from that stage, although clips involving Champoussin are scarce.
French Cyclists Shining in the Tour de France
French cyclists rallied at the 2023 Tour, even if they did not win an overall victory. Thibaut Pinot's seventh-place finish on Stage 20 was a memorable moment before his retirement from the Tour. David Gaudu finished ninth in the GC, while Julian Alaphilippe chased down the stage win. Clément Champoussin, though not the main performer, was representing the next wave of French talent, working hard in the breakaway for Arkéa-Samsic. His efforts drew cheers from French fans, and NBC Sports' coverage highlighted his courage despite the tough competition.
Tour de France Crash Recap: Why Accidents Happen
Cycling race incidents are often caused by high-speed descents, tight dynamics of the peloton, wet roads, or even spectator interference (remember the 2021 "Allez Opi-Omi" incident?). In 2023, wet conditions increased the risk, especially on mountain stages like the 2023 Tour de France. NBC Sports analysts Brent Bookwalter and Tejay van Garderen explain how crashes disrupt GC hopes and sprint battles, and offer expert crash analysis. For original footage of crashes, platforms like Eurosport and Peacock provide heartbreaking replays that show how fine the line is between glory and devastation.
Catching Tour de France Live Footage and Highlights
Missed the live action? NBC Sports and Peacock broadcast all 21 stages of the 2023 Tour, with virtual graphics and team radios adding to the excitement. Eurosport’s coverage, often shared via X, captures live moments, while letour.fr hosts the official stage videos. For Stage 20, there will be exciting shots of Pogačar’s victory and Pinot's farewell, although crash-specific clips may focus on the early stages. Cyclingfans.com also offers select highlights for fans eager for every detail.
Clément Champoussin’s 2023 Race Results and Highlights
Champoussin did not score any stage wins or top GC finishes in 2023, which is in keeping with his role as a support rider. Typical of his aggressive style, his breakaway efforts did not bring podiums but earned respect. Fans wanting to know the highlights of Clément Champoussin should check out Arkéa-Samsic’s team summary on VeloNews or the Cycling Archives for his contributions. His 2025 crash recorded on X shows he is still working hard, but 2023 was more about the team effort than individual glory.
Tour de France 2023 Stages: A Grueling Journey
The 2023 Tour de France will cover 3,405 kilometers over 21 stages, starting in Bilbao, Spain, and ending in Paris. With eight flat stages, four hilly stages, eight mountain challenges, and a solo time trial, it tested every rider. Dramatic moments like Jonas Vingegaard’s GC win, Pogačar’s resilience, and the wet downhill of stage 20 defined the race. For step-by-step analysis, NBC's cycling event coverage or letour.fr's stage videos are the most useful sources.
Stay Updated on Pro Cycling Events
For real-time updates on Champoussin or future Tour de France drama, follow pressqouta while Cyclingnews.com provides detailed race reports. The 2025 Tour de France, already causing a stir with Champoussin crash, proves that cycling's unpredictability never subsides.
The 2023 Tour de France was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and exhilaration. Clément Champoussin may not have made headlines for the Stage 20 crash, but his role and the chaotic moments of the race kept fans glued to their screens. For the latest on cycling's dramatic moments, pressqouta, and the official Tour channel are at your disposal. Do you want more crash summaries or rider stories? Let us know what cycling topic you're interested in next!
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