Far from being the favourite on Monday, Biniam Girmay raised his arms in Turin. Jasper Philipsen and Wout van Aert were unable to join in the final sprint.
A fall that eliminated the favourites for the stage victory. Among the losers is the outgoing green jersey of the last edition of the Tour de France, Jasper Philipsen.It’s not a positive day, but fortunately there are still opportunities. I’m happy to be able to continue riding. It’s part of this sport, it’s a wasted day. declared the Belgian rider from the Alpecin-Deceuninck team.
Having been knocked down three kilometres from the finish, Philipsen will be able to start the first Alpine stage on Tuesday.The damage is not too serious considering the circumstances. I went to the ground at 60 km/h, but fortunately it was a good road. There was a collision and I had no room,” he explained.
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Another Belgian who was unable to join the final race, Wout van Aert – third in the first stage – admitted to having been embarrassed: “I was behind the trap, but luckily I was able to avoid it. I had to brake and then there was a gap. I tried to catch up, but I was no longer in the slipstream. So you know you can’t sprint.» The frustration of the Visma Lease a Bike rider is contrasted by the joy of his counterpart Arnaud De Lie.
The recent Belgian road champion obtained his first podium on the Grande Boucle. A third place behind Girmay (first) and Gaviria (second). “I’m very happy. When you’re close to winning, you want to win. But it’s very good for me. It’s good for my confidence. My form is there and I survived the weekend.” said the Lotto Dstny sprinter.
