Tour Team News: Edvald Boasson Hagen Third on stage 1

Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen was third behind Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) on the first stage proper of the Tour de France.

Slovakian Peter Sagan came out on top on the uphill and technical finish to the 198-kilometres stage from Liege to Seraing as Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) took second place to retain the race leader’s yellow jersey. Cancellara attacked a third of the way up the final 2.4km ascent to the finish, with only Sagan initially able to go with him.

But Boasson Hagen bridged the gap and the trio were clear with 500m to go, before Sagan landed the spoils and a first Tour stage win of his career. Bradley Wiggins remains second on the overall standings, seven seconds behind Cancellara, after he negotiated the final climb well to finish alongside defending champion Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) on the same time as the front three. Chris Froome suffered a puncture in the last 10km and, despite battling hard and with the assistance of team-mate Richie Porte, crossed the line in 95th, 1:25 down.

Sean Yates, Team Sky Sports Director: “Bradley was able to stay out of trouble which was the main thing today. It was good to see Edvald up there to take a good result at the finish. Froomey was unlucky to puncture just at the wrong moment as we hit the waterfront along the river. It was lined out going 70k an hour. Richie waited along with Christian. By the time they came back to the convoy riders were getting shelled. It was not possible to get back on. Riders were all over the place. Mick also came down but managed to get back for the finish. It was a good effort from the team up to that point. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about bits of bad luck like that.”