The wounds of the turbulent start of the Tour de France last Saturday in Brest, which was overshadowed by many falls, had just been licked, and yesterday there were again wild scenes on the narrow streets of Brittany. While Tim Merlier won the first sprint showdown of the 108th Tour of France, Primoz Roglic fought for every second with a torn jersey after a fall just ten kilometers from the finish in Pontivy. In the end, the Slovenian conceded 1:21 minutes on the day’s winner, while Merlier’s Alpecin team-mate Mathieu van der Poel confidently defended his yellow jersey.
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar caught it four kilometers from the end. Roglic’s Slovenian compatriot stayed on his bike when several riders fell, but lost contact with the top. In the end, Pogacar rolled over the finish line 26 seconds behind and lost third place in the overall standings. There Van der Poel leads eight seconds ahead of the French Julian Alaphilippe.
The sprinters did not get away with scot-free in the final either. Stage favorite Caleb Ewan lost control of his bike a few meters from the finish and immediately cleared three-time world champion Peter Sagan. The tour ended for Ewan with a broken collarbone, Sagan suffered cuts and was able to continue. Ex-winner Geraint Thomas also fell right at the beginning of the stage. He dislocated his shoulder, but, unlike Jack Haig and Robert Gesink, finished the stage.
The tour continues in Brittany on the fourth day of the race. From Redon to Fougeres (150.4 km), the sprinters should once again make it a victory today. And hopefully without a fall.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
