Today’s nineteenth stage of the Tour de France from Lourdes to Laruns was considered by many to be the Queen Stage of the race, with the riders facing the climbs of the Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque amongst others along the 200-kilometre stage
For green jersey wearer Peter Sagan, the aim would again be to get through the day. The UCI World Champion crashed on stage 17 and is still recovering from the injuries sustained in the crash.
Sagan was in trouble early on and was supported by Daniel Oss and Maciej Bodnar, in trying to stay within the time limit. The pair helped pace Sagan over the big climbs and provide moral support on the long stage.
The trio made it into the large gruppetto and the group of thirty three riders finished 38’23” behind stage winner Primoz Roglic (LottoNL Jumbo) and within the time limit. Sagan has now just two stage left to achieve a record-equalling sixth green jersey.
“It was probably one of the most painful and difficult days I have ever had in my cycling career,” Sagan said. “The injuries and the heat made this last mountain stage of the Tour de France seem never ending!
“I couldn’t have abandoned though, we are so close to Paris, it wouldn’t have been fair to me and the rest of the team. I had to fight. I’d like to thank all my teammates for their sacrifice today, for being there with me all 200km of the stage. This is what teamwork is about!”
Enrico Poitschke, BORA – hansgrohe Sports Director – “In the back, it was a real battle for Peter to survive. He took on the fight, made it to the finish, and this feels like a victory today because Peter was in an awful condition. All our guys supported him, and I think we showed great team spirit.”
