Stage 13 | Van Avermaet pips Sagan on the line
July 17 | In the latest edition of The Telegraph Cycling Podcast, Richard Moore, Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe reflect on a sweltering stage 13 to Rodez.
The Belgian rider Greg Van Avermaet consigned Tinkoff-Saxo’s Peter Sagan to his 15th second place in Tour stages. Sagan’s consolation was that he extended his lead over Andre Greipel in his quest to win the green jersey for the fourth year in a row. However, the mystery of Sagan’s inability to turn second places into victories continues.
There’s also a powerful, not-to-be-missed interview with Team Sky’s Richie Porte, who was punched by a spectator in the Pyrenees. The Australian talks about the abuse he and his team-mates are having to put up with. “To be quite honest with you it’s getting to the point where some of the journalists who are whipping up the rubbish that they are need to be accountable for our safety a little bit as well,” said Porte. “Do I deserve to be booed? Does Chris Froome deserve all this? I don’t think so. Maybe in ten years’ time they’re going to see that these victories are legitimate. It’s a disgrace how some of these people carry on.”
After such a hot day, when temperatures out on the road nudged 40 degrees Celsius, we discuss the consequences of such warm weather for the riders.
There’s the daily Pédaleur de Charme award, plus an interview with a recent winner of this now prestigious prize, Warren Barguil of Giant-Alpecin.
The Telegraph Cycling Podcast is supported by Jaguar