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Tour de France Stage 7 Analysis

Tour de France Stage 7 Analysis

The first day in the Pyrenees provided an interesting stage for fans. It featured a brilliant solo effort for the stage win, and another day in yellow for BMC. In addition, a few general classification riders found themselves in trouble. The last kilometer was difficult in unexpected ways.

Super Steve

The stage win belonged to Team Dimension Data rider Steve Cummings today. His brilliant solo ride to the finish was a fantastic effort, as he held off a chase group behind him that featured some very talented riders.

He broke away from the breakaway with 26 kilometres left. A small group of five riders tried to catch him, but they eventually dwindled down to two riders. It never looked like they were going to catch the British rider. Vincenzo Nibali was among the riders on the chase. Unfortunately, but he fell off towards the end of the stage and finished fourth on the stage.

This is Cummings second Tour de France stage win of his career. Last year he won stage 14 in surprising fashion. With the win he also adds to Dimension Data’s already very successful tour, with the team claiming their fourth win in seven stages.

General Classification Struggles

A couple of France’s big name riders fell off the pace today. Most notably was Thibaut Pinot. The FDJ rider finished more than seven minutes behind Cummings, and almost three minutes behind the main general classification group. He did not look good ascending the Col d’Aspin, as he struggled to keep up with the pace at the front. This comes at the worst possible time with the next two stages featuring tough climbs. On the bright side he still has plenty of time to attempt to land a spot in the top 10.

The other main contenders looked composed going up the climbs. Perhaps the only area of concern was from Warren Barguil who looked a little suspect on the final climb. Fortunately he did not lose a major amount of time, and finished with the same time as the rest of the group, for now.

Alberto Contador appeared to be fine today, with the Spaniard staying with the main group for the entirely of the stage. Expect him to be tested in the mountains the next few days. Although, he could be the one doing the testing as well. He desperately needs time back to try and cut into the deficit. Richie Porte may also go on the attack in the coming days, as he is in a similar situation at the moment.

Van Avermaet Stay In Yellow

Greg Van Avermaet will stay in yellow for at least one more day. The Belgian was involved in the large early breakaway, and went up the road with one of the splits in the group. He couldn’t stay with the main chase group, but he was able to hold on for a fifth place in the stage. He has over six minutes on the rest of the riders, which could keep him in yellow for Sunday’s stage as well. It is unlikely he will be in yellow past Sunday, but if he holds on it could be his jersey to start the week.

Trouble At The Finish

With one kilometer to go the general classification group met with trouble. The Flamme Rouge collapsed and riders were held up for a moment. As a result the times were neutralized, with the riders calmly pedaling into the finish.

The inflatable did take one causality, as Orica-Bike Exchange rider Adam Yates was taken out by the collapse. He was attempting to take over the young riders classification, but was stopped by the collapse. Luckily he picked up only minor injuries and will be able to continue.

For those held up by the accident, the times taken at a three kilometer time check will be used to determine where the riders placed on the stage. Definitely one of the more bizarre moments at the tour in recent years.

 

Stage Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MAcCCkmivw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-3LmvMbPD8

 

Twitter Reaction

Interviews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2tef-eq7CE

Stage Results

General Classification Standings

Points Classification

  1. Mark Cavendish 204 pts
  2. Marcel Kittel 182 pts
  3. Peter Sagan 175 pts
  4.  Bryan Coquard 112 pts
  5. Greg Van Avermaet 90 pts

KOM Classification

  1. Thomas De Gendt 13 pts
  2. Greg Van Avermaet 13 pts
  3. Stephen Cummings 10 pts
  4. Daniel Navarro 8 pts
  5. Daryl Impey 6 pts

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