Degenkolb’s stage win erases injury woes
ROUBAIX: Two years after suffering a careerthreatening accident, former ParisRoubaix champion John Degenkolb claimed his maiden Tour de France win on his favourite terrain when he tamed the cobbles and powered to victory on the ninth stage yesterday.
The German was one of three riders to jump away from the main pack 19km from the line and he was the fastest in the final sprint, beating overall race leader Greg van Avermaet of Belgium.
Another Belgian, Yves Lampaert, took third place after a 156.5km ride from Arras featuring 21.7km of boneshaking cobbled sectors, some of them featur ing on the ParisRoubaix route.
‘‘It is very emotional. I went through such a difficult period so today is pure happiness,’’ Degenkolb said.
He suffered several fractures and a serious finger injury after he and some teammates were hit by a car during a training ride in January 2016.
‘‘But my team and my family supported me. In Germany they say those who have had a brush with death live longer. I’ve had bad luck, but I always had the will to come back to my best.’’
Last year’s runnerup, Rigoberto Uran, lost 1min 28sec on his main rivals after crashing about 30km from the finish. Australian Richie Porte pulled out after an early crash.
Today’s first rest day, after an 800km transfer by plane to the Alps, will be much appreciated by the riders, who crossed the line in Roubaix, their faces covered by a mixture of dust and sweat after three and a half hours in scorching heat.
The Tour is, however, over for Porte, who was taken to hospital with a suspected shoulder injury after hitting the asphalt 10km into the stage.
Defending champion Chris Froome fell off his bike as he tried to avoid a rider who crashed before him, but never lost his composure and finished with all the main title contenders. — Reuters