Sprinting Again

We were back to racing in the Tour with an utterly flat stage across Brittany yesterday, to finish at St. Malo. Now wind, rather than the gradient, became a factor and while GC racers sheltered in the pack with their teams it was the turn of the big sprint outfits to have a go. Echelons and lead-out trains would be the order of the day, rather than lone climbers.

Inevitably a break went out and was slowly reeled back by a chasing peloton bringing it all back together for a coastal finish. It is the closest the race would come to the UK this year and you can bet your bottom dollar that Cav wanted to take advantage of the (nearly) home advantage to get Tour win number 25.

The pace remained high in the run into the last 20km with GC teams keeping their riders safe, mixed in with the hopeful sprinters, before it became all about the fast men in the last 4km, with OPQS looming behind a strong-looking Lotto-Belisol. Cav switched lines inside the last kilometre to pick up Greipel’s wheel, perhaps showing a lack of confidence in his own lead-out train, but it seemed a little too late as the photo-finish was between Greipel and Kittel, with Kittel taking the win.

Froome stayed safe in yellow in the bunch, but it looked like Cavendish will have to wait longer for the next win, with a team he can only be getting frustrated with. It’s the first time in years we have seen him consistently beaten in straight sprints. There was added drama as Kittel’s teammate appeared to have been wiped out by Cav as he tried to get through. Surely this adds even more weight to the idea that OPQS just aren’t giving Cav the protection that he needs to hold off the other trains. Greipel’s Lotto team looked strongest in the lead in, until Kittel found a way through to sneak past, so there were undoubtedly two angry sprinters in team busses last night.

The frustration was clear in a confrontation between a reporter and the OPQS sprinter after the race where he was questioned about the crash, however Cav seemed to have calmed down quite quickly afterwards.

Not seen a replay of the final yet, but was involved in an incident with Tom Veelers. Whatever has happened, if I'm at fault, I'm sorry.

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 9, 2013

There's no way I'd move on a rider deliberately, especially one not contesting a sprint. I hope @tom_veelers is ok.

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 9, 2013

Just seen the sprint. I believe I didn't move line. I'm actually coming past Veelers & we touch elbows when he moves. Anyway, hope he's ok.

— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) July 9, 2013

Judge the Sprint for yourself here:

A