Tony Martin (Katusha) was favourite to win the opening time trial of the Tour de France in Dusseldorf, with Marcel Kittel (Quick Step Floors) given an outside chance. Neither was able to make good on expectations but the two Germans were united in their praise of the enthusiastic crowds along the route despite the heavy rain throughout the day.
“The atmosphere on the course was overwhelming. The fans delivered an unbelievable spectacle,” Martin said on Facebook. “I couldn’t hear my radio for all of their cheers and calls – I was driven along the course by such noise.
“Many thanks to everyone who was out there. That was pure goose-bump feeling. I felt like I was in a tunnel.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The World time trial champion had gone into the stage planning to take the win and the yellow jersey, but he finished only fourth, eight seconds down on winner Geraint Thomas (Team Sky).
“ Of course the result is disappointing, since I had planned on riding into the yellow jersey. In the last three kilometers I just didn’t have the punch to be able to defend the gap had built up. I must accept how the race turned out. We had a well-deserving winner.
“And I won’t hang my head. There are still three weeks ahead of us, in which I can seek my chances.”
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/2sCzkrB
No comments:
Post a Comment