In the opening kilometres, the Frenchman crashed and doubt was cast over whether he would even finish the stage. He fought on, crossing the line arms raised in triumph, believing he had pulled off a comeback victory. Not quite.
"He had a crash at the beginning of the race. He had pain and a dislocated shoulder. He thought he was first to the line - but the radio didn't work. The radio was busted and we had no time to change it. Alaphilippe did a perfect sprint and thought he won. What can we do? It's super nice to be third and with Michael Storer getting most combative today we are happy and now let's hope Julian has no severe injuries."
-Raphael Mayer, CEO Tudor Pro Cycling
"I managed to put my should back in place, I remembered how they did it at the hospital. I fought hard, I had good legs. The radio stopped working after the crash. Like an idiot, I sprinted to try to win. Morale is okay."
-Julian
“We have a good relationship outside of cycling, but in the race, he’s the guy you don’t want to have in the breakaway.”
-Victor Campenaerts knew Tim Wellens was the man to beat.
Meanwhile, glory for Tim Wellens. After six tours, he gets his first stage victory.
Look back...
Tom Simpson, 1962 Tour de France yellow jersey after stage 12.
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