#ForzaPasqua!
#Hard #Good #Climbs
158.5 KM (HILLY)
Photo (c) Clémence Ducrot
Pasqua told us the start today was really hard. However, towards the end of the stage the good feeling had returned to his legs in time for the big climbs that now lie ahead.
From Team Wanty-Group Gobert:
The 10th stage did not result in a quiet transition to the mountains. After a fast and nervous first week, the transfer to Annecy brought the peloton to the Alps. After leaving Lake Annecy, a breakaway of twenty riders was formed. Besides the yellow jersey Greg Van Avermaet, the Belgian Thomas Degand and the Frenchman Guillaume Martin were also present. The group flew over the climbs. Degand had to let go on Col de Romme and a bit later Martin also chose his own pace. Martin finished 23rd in Le Grand-Bornant. All Wanty-Groupe Gobert riders reached the finish line in time. On Wednesday, the 11th stage will connect Albertville with La Rosière over 108.5 km with four climbs.
Guillaume Martin:
"I had to anticipate, otherwise I would finish 10 minutes down. It is frustrating not to have the legs. If I am in such a break, I have to be able to claim the podium or even a stage victory. Today I was fighting with my bike. I had a hard day. I hope I get better soon, because this was not fun. The explanation can come from my crash on Sunday, since my rib cage was blocked. Now I want to see how my feeling evolves day by day."
Thomas Degand:
"This year I want to show myself in the beautiful mountain stages, which suit me. From the beginning, I positioned myself in front and attacked. We were caught, but thanks to the recon I knew that the climb of the 4th category could be decisive. I tried again and we accelerated with 20 riders. On the Croix Fry the group split up and our lead increased. I could return and help Guillaume as well as possible. In the valley, I came to supply him and after that I had to let go."
"I finished the stage quietly. I do not think about tomorrow's stage, but the Thursday stage. We have to overcome 5,000 altitude meters and there is a good chance that a break will leave from the start. I had a lot of fun today, with all the public along the way. That is good for the morale, so I definitely want to be in the break again."
ASO stage summary:
Julian Alaphilippe of Quick Step Floors claimed his first ever Tour de France stage win after he took his first classic earlier this year with the Flèche wallonne. It’s the first French victory of the 105th Tour de France as stage 10 was the first in the mountains. But the inaugural mountain stage didn’t impact the hierarchy of the overall ranking. Greg Van Avermaet even retained the yellow jersey as part of the breakaway that went from far out.
Check back tomorrow for more from inside the peloton at the 2018 Tour de France.
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