The first hurdles are behind Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. It was one of the most challenging starts in the recent history of the Tour de France. Only four days have passed, but they already include the longest stage of this year's event, two mountain stages with more than 3,500 meters of climbing each, and the San Luca spectacle around Bologna. All eight riders survived the hectic start unscathed and the teamwork worked. The result: Primož Roglič is 5th overall - just 24 seconds off the podium.
Rolf Aldag:
"We had a lot of respect for the first and second stage. The first because it was super tough, the second because it could get very hectic. Looking back, the first stage went very well. The second stage taught us a bit about positioning. The third stage was special because we are 100% focused on the GC and we don't have a sprinter with us. That's why 230 kilometers still hurts, but at least you can refresh mentally. Yesterday, on stage four, we wanted to see how the big climbs would go and what tactics our rivals would choose. I think we did quite well. Primož chose a very good timing on the Galibier to get back to the front on the way to the finish. So far we're in the green zone, which is good. We still have 17 stages to go."
Even if the next two days look easier on paper, there is no time to take a deep breath. The "bodyguard trio" of Nico Denz, Marco Haller and Danny van Poppel will be challenged on these flat stages. The goal: maximum safety and maximum energy savings for the captain. The next hurdles are already looming. A 25-kilometer individual time trial will be held on Friday, followed by the gravel section around Troyes on Sunday.
Photos:
Title: ©Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool
Others: ©SprintCycling