German sprinter Andre Greipel won the final stage of the Tour de France between Chantilly and the Champs-Élysées in Paris as the Brit Chris Froome sealed his third overall victory today.
The Lotto-Soudal rider claimed the 113km stage in front of Slovakia’s green jersey winner Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Norway’s Alexander Kristoff (Katusha).
André Greipel celebrates his win at the final stage of the 2016 Tour de France today. Photo: SuperSport
Froome crossed the line arm-in-arm with his Sky team-mates at the back of the back as they celebrated a near-perfect three weeks in the saddle. France’s Romain Bardet (AG2R) finished a distant second in the general classification at 4:05, followed by Colombia’s Nairo Quintana in third.
Sagan won the green points jersey for the fifth consecutive time with Poland’s Rafael Majka taking the king of the mountains title for a second time. Britain’s Adam Yates, who finished fourth overall, was the best young rider.
“I can’t describe it, I’m just super proud that it worked out the last day,” said Greipel, who won on the Champs-Élysées for a second time in his career.
“Also with the team how they believed in me for the past three weeks. We always kept trying, trying, trying. Now we have won two stages with Thomas de Gendt and me. It cannot be a better place than here.
“We had a good plan this morning. I just tried to stay calm with the whole team to save energy and once we hit the front we were one guy too short, but I chose the wheel of Kristoff which was the best today and I’m really happy that I could finish it off and get another stage win in the Tour de France.”
An overjoyed Chris Froome and Team Sky at the Tour de France final stage’s finish. Photo: SuperSport
“To my team-mates and support team, this is your yellow jersey too,” Froome said on the podium.
“I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for your commitment and sacrifice. A massive thank you to Dave Brailsford and my coach Tim Kerrison. This is one special team and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
“To Michelle, my wife, and my son, Kellan, your love and support make everything possible. Kellan, I dedicate this victory to you.”
Final stage results
1. André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) 2:43:08
2. Peter Sagan (Tinkoff)
3. Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
4. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data)
5. Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange)
6. Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo)
7. Ramunas Navardauskas (Cannondale-Drapac)
8. Christophe Laporte (Cofidis-Solutions Credits)
9. Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon)
10. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (Dimension Data)
Selected
35. Louis Meintjes (Lampre-Merida)
111. Daryl Impey (Orica-BikeExchange) +1:00
General classification
1. Christopher Froome (Sky)
2. Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) +4:05
3. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) +4:21
4. Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) +4:42
5. Richie Porte (BMC Racing) +5:17
6. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) +6:16
7. Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) +6:58
8. Louis Meintjes (Lampre-Merida)
9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quick-Step) +7:04
10. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) +7:11
Selected
38. Daryl Impey (Orica-BikeExchange) +1:50:51
115. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (Dimension Data) +3:56:30
Points classification
1. Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) 470 points
2. Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quick-Step) 228
3. Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) 199
King of the Mountains
1. Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) 209 points
2. Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) 130
3. Jarlinson Pantano (IAM Cycling) 121
To view more, results and photos, visit Tour de France.
