Slovakia’s Peter Sagan celebrates his green jersey of best sprinter on the podium at the end of the 187.5 km eleventh stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Besancon and Oyonnax, eastern France, yesterday. (AFP)
Peter Sagan said he was disappointed he didn’t manage to win Wednesday’s 11th stage of the Tour de France to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday, but added that at least she got some flowers.
Sagan was part of a four-man breakaway that looked to contest victory at the finish in Oyonnax but once again he missed out as Tony Gallopin took off on his own to win.
At least Sagan did manage to finish on the day’s podium, though, as he maintained his lead in the sprinters’ green jersey competition.
Every day on the podium those holding the Tour’s various jerseys are given flowers.
So at least Sagan had something to offer his girlfriend.
“It’s my girlfriend’s birthday today and I wanted to do well for her and win the stage,” said the 24-year-old Cannondale team leader.
“But at least I got the flowers from the podium for her.”
Sagan complained that once again his chances of victory were hampered by his reputation as a fast finisher.
It means when he’s in a breakaway group, no-one wants to work with him because they’re afraid he’ll beat him in a sprint finish.
Once Gallopin rode away in the final 3km of the 187.5km stage from Besancon, Michal Kwiatkowski and Michael Rogers both looked to Sagan to lead the chase and the Frenchman got away.
“I could have chased down Gallopin but then afterwards maybe Rogers would attack or Kwiatkowski and I can’t chase everybody,” added Sagan.
The Slovak initially threw his bike away in disgust after the finish but having calmed down he admitted he may simply have to content himself with winning the green jersey rather than also adding a stage win.
“I am confident and every day I’m trying to do something better but I’m hoping for the green jersey in Paris,” he said.
“This is the race and after the race the important thing is your other life. So now everything’s OK.”