Thomas still second as sprint stars shine
MARCEL Kittel won stage seven of the Tour de France in a photo finish as Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas stayed one-two in the general classification.
German Kittel (Quick-Step Floor) edged out Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Dimension Data) by the narrowest of margins after making a huge lunge to the line.
Team Sunweb’s Australian star Michael Matthews was third at the end of the 213.5km leg from Troyes to Nuits-Saint-Georges.
It was Kittel’s third stage victory of this year’s Tour and the 12th of his career but he won’t be anywhere near the front on Saturday’s first big mountain stage.
Team Sky’s defending Tour champion Froome crossed safely in the pack to retain his 12-second lead over team-mate and Welsh star Thomas in the general classification, with Astana’s Italian champion Fabio Aru third, 14 seconds down.
“There was lots of talk about the wind today, but nothing really happened for the ‘GC’ riders, we’re all thinking about the weekend,” said Froome after the stage.
“Each kilometre you think about the things that could change the course, and you had to stay in front.
“But everybody knows that Saturday and Sunday are the days for the overall classification. Even so, these flat stages are not easy.”
“When I crossed the line, I really had no clue if I won or not,” said German Kittel.
“Before the finish, I knew it was going to be close. At 150m to go, I thought it was still 200, but luckily, the door opened on the right side and I could pass Edvald.
“To reach 12 stage wins at the Tour is an incredible success. I’m in a great shape. I’m super happy. The lead out was great. It’s just crazy. I already have three wins in this Tour. I’m so happy about that.”
Stage eight from Dole to Station Des Rousses in the Jura Mountains contains three categorised climbs in the second half of its 187.5km and gets increasingly difficult as the day goes on, ending in the category one Montee de la Combe de Laisia Les Molunes, a little over 10km from the finish. Stage seven result: 1. Marcel Kittel (Ger/Quick-Step) 5hrs 03mins 18secs 2. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor/Dimension Data) Same time; 3. Michael Matthews (Aus/Sunweb) ST; 4. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Katusha) ST; 5. John Degenkolb (Ger/Trek). General classification: 1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 28hrs 47mins 50secs; 2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky) +12secs; 3. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +14secs; 4. Daniel Martin (Ire/ Quick-Step) +25secs; 5. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +39secs.