188 KM (HILLY) SAINT-PAUL-TROIS-CHÂTEAUX > MENDE 4'42"57

The riders had to overcome the Massif Central on stage 14. 32 riders animated the early part of the stage, which was made hard by echelons from the start. Thomas Degand was present in the breakaway that achieved an advantage of more than 20 minutes. Jasper Stuyven accelerated solo towards the climb of the Montée Jalabert. Fraile was able to pass Stuyven in an ultimate effort. Degand finished 16th. On Sunday a new transition stage will lead the peloton to the Pyrenees from Millau to Carcassonne.

Thomas Degand:  

"My mission of the day was to go in the break. I knew that an attack had a big chance today. At the beginning of the stage, the cooperation was not ideal. But on the first climb of the day, the peloton let go. I quickly knew that we would fight for the stage victory. The wind made it a difficult stage, and I was able to hold on to the foot of the last climb. I knew the course from Tour du Gévaudan and knew that the final climb was too steep for me."

"Still, I am satisfied with my day. I came to the Tour with a new attitude. Nobody remembers my 34th place  from last year. Instead of aiming at a decent final classification, I want to show myself in the break. This is already my second offensive this week, although the intended result is not there yet. Yet a top 15 is not bad for me. I have shown that I can follow the best and I had fun. That is essential." 

Photo (c) A.S.O. 

 

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