Alexander Kristoff took the victory on the fifteenth stage of the Tour de France as the sprinters caught Martin Elmiger and Jack Bauer on the line.
Gun show: Kristoff revelling in his victory. Photo: AP
Bauer had disappeared into the lead from the very beginning of the 222 kilometre stage between Tallard and Nimes but lost out in the closing stages as the chasing pack eventually put in a push.
Stormy conditions and difficult crosswinds made life difficult for Bauer and Elmiger but they maintained their lead until Katusha’s Kristoff led the sprinting pack past – leaving Garmin-Sharp rider Bauer in tears at the finish.
“I thought it was a little bit too late, I thought I’d have to go for second but I was relieved that we caught them,” said Kristoff.
“I was a bit surprised I could take the win today. Maybe they had heavier legs than me after the Alps.”
It seemed as though the sprinters had miscalculated the time they needed to reel in the long-standing leaders, with a number of roundabouts requiring safe navigation in slippery conditions.
But, as the closing metres were knocked off, Bauer, who eventually came home 10th, and Elmiger – who had worked well together to keep themselves clear – dropped back into the field.
Green jersey holder Peter Sagen came third as Vincenzo Nibali remained in the yellow jersey heading into the 16th stage with a four minute 37 second lead over Alejandro Valverde. – Mail Online
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