Crashes and injuries continue to plague the riders. Alberto Contador, Tinkoff, and Robert Gesink, Lotto, contacted the ground in the neutral zone before the race proper, but promptly got back in the saddle. Greg Henderson, Lotto, did not start today. Tony Martin, Etixx, made sure his teammates knew he was cheering them on. Martin will not be allowed on a bicycle for six weeks. Orica-Greenedge has lost three riders. A minimum of six must cross the finish line in the team time trial scheduled for Sunday.
Stage 7 Results General Classification 1. Mark Cavendish, Etixx 1. Chris Froome, Sky 2. Andre Griepel, Lotto 2. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff +11” 3. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff 3. Tejay Van Garderen, BMC 4. John Degenkolb, Giant 4. Tony Gallopin, Lotto 5. Alexander Kristoff, Katusha 5. Greg Van Avermaet, BMC With nearly 27 hours of cycling competition, there is less than one minute elapsed time separating the first eight riders. Even though the race covers over 3000 kilometres, bare seconds separate the winners from the also rans in Paris. Saturday the peloton stays in Brittany with a run from Rennes to Mur de Bretagne. It is mostly flat but has a nasty little surprise at the end of the 181 kilometre day. For complete statistics, check out the official Tour de France page. Velo News has interesting information as well.
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Teklehaimanot was part of a three man breakaway that kept away from the main field from the 5 km mark and remained out front until being swept up about 3 km from the finish line.
Two riders have broken ribs but are continuing in the race. Michael Albasini, Orica, was forced to withdraw due to injuries he received in stage 5. The spectacular crashes that have knocked out two yellow jersey wearers as well as numerous other top athletes have renewed calls to reduce the size of the peloton. With 198 cyclists crowding narrow laneways, it is surprising that more wheel touches don’t occur. Stage 6 Standings General Classification 1. Zdenek Stybar, Etixx 1. Tony Martin, Etixx 2. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff 2. Chris Froome, Sky 3. Bryan Coquard, Europcar 3. Tejay Van Garderen, BMC 4. John Degenkolb, Giant 4. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff 5. Greg Van Avermaet, BMC 5. Tony Gallopin, Lotto Stage 7 will see the riders leave Livarot and proceed to Fougeres, a distance of 190.5 km. They will continue along the French coast to Brittany where three stages will be run. This will be a stage for the sprinters. Related from the tour: Tour de France 2015: Racism row ruins African team's landmark success Further reading: Le Tour Velo News
Michael Matthews, Orica, who was injured previously but chose to soldier on, has been awarded the jersey for most combative rider for his tenacity.
Stage 5 Standings General Classification 1. Andre Griepel, Lotto 1. Tony Martin, Etixx 2. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff 2. Chris Froome, Sky +12” 3. Mark Cavendish, Etixx 3. Tejay Van Garderen, BMC 4. Alexander Kristoff, Katusha 4. Peter Sagan, Tinkoff 5. Edvald Boasson Hagan, Qhubeka 5. Tony Gallopin, Lotto There are jerseys awarded for top scores in other than the general classification. This can be quite confusing when watching as it may look as if some riders are not with a team. There are cash prizes in all these categories. · Yellow jersey – worn by the rider with the least amount of expended time · Green jersey – worn by the rider with the most sprint points · Polka dot jersey – worn by the rider with the most mountain points · White jersey – worn by the best young rider · Red jersey – worn by the most combative rider. Stage 6 will take the athletes from Abbeville to the French coast at Le Harve. Wind might be a factor, but sunshine is predicted. Further reading at: Le Tour Live Cycling News Velo News
1. Rohan Dennis, BMC
2. Tony Martin, Etixx Quick Step 3. Fabian Cancellara, Trek Factory Racing 4. Tom Dumoulin, Giant 5. Jos Van Emden, Lotto Jumbo Astana is in the midst of controversy again. They signed on to the Movement for Credible Cycling, but when Lars Boom tested low in cortisol, they opted out. The Movement calls for an eight day rest when athletes test low in that hormone. While there can be legitimate reasons for a low level, including sickness, it can also be an indication that an athlete has been using a banned substance. Roman Kreuziger, Tinkoff Saxo, has been cleared of doping. The Grand Tour ends in 20 days on the streets of Paris, Bastille Day. Expect the unexpected. Sources: Cable TV live coverage Velo News Le Tour They also pointed out the abuse of the Therapeutic Use Exemption(TUE) which allowed some athletes to take what would normally be banned substances and also that some more favoured athletes were allowed to present backdated prescriptions.
The doping probably has not ceased. It is more likely that the mass team doping has stopped and more subtle and incrementally smaller dosages are being used. One unnamed but “respected” professional cyclist felt that 90 percent of the professional peloton continues to dope, though “he thought that there was little orchestrated team doping in the manner that teams had previously employed,” according to the report. Another professional, also unnamed, put the figure at 20 percent. Velo News This year’s professional cycling is underway. The Tour de France starts July 4th. Sources: Velo News CIRC Report Executive Summary - Velo News |
Barbara McPherson
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