Struggling throughout the day and failing to make a swift move in the final stage 17 of the Tour de France leaves sprinters feeling frustrated over the collision.
De Lie Remains Optimistic Ahead of Final Stage Amidst Crash Drama
The final stage of the 2022 Tour de France in Paris is shaping up to be an exciting showdown, with Belgian rider Arnaud De Lie maintaining a positive outlook despite a close call in Stage 17.
De Lie, who has been a strong contender for the sprinter's title, finished fourth in Stage 17, which was won by Jonathan Milan. However, a crash under the flamme rouge affected many sprinters, including Tim Merlier and Biniam Girmay, last year's green jersey winner.
De Lie was on the right side of the fall, but believes he could have had a better chance of fighting for victory had he not touched Milan's wheel. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his chances in the final stage.
"I believe my team's form is strong enough for big ambitions in Paris," De Lie said. "I'm looking forward to giving it my all in the final stage."
Milan, who now leads the points classification in the Tour de France, expressed concern that the crash in Stage 17 was his last opportunity to win a stage in the race. However, he remains a formidable contender for the final sprint finish.
Other top sprinters in the race include Jordi Meeus, Davide Ballerini, Alberto Dainese, and Paul Penhoet, who have all placed highly in sprint finishes. Biniam Girmay, despite crashing, was still noted among the sprinters competing in the race.
The weather during Stage 17 was torrential rain, which may have contributed to the crash. Kaden Groves, the new sprinter for Alpecin-Deceuninck, was not directly involved in the crash but was affected by it. Jonas Abrahamsen is still away in the breakaway during Stage 17, unaffected by the crash.
As the Tour de France enters its final stages, the race is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion, with De Lie and Milan among the favourites for the sprint finishes.
"Despite the setbacks in the Tour de France, De Lie expressed his enthusiasm for the final stage, stating, 'I believe my team's form is strong enough for big ambitions in Paris, and I'm looking forward to giving it my all in the final sprint finish.'"
"Without a luckier break in Stage 17, football could have been added to De Lie's sports portfolio, as he almost found himself on the field, chasing after an errant ball following the crash, courtsiding his passion for the game right in the heart of the cycling competition."
