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Tour Team News: Andriy Grivko last of break to be caught

Astana’s Andriy Grivko featured heavily in today’s stage of the Tour de France, forming the day’s major breakaway together with four other riders. 

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The break departed after just 5 km of the 197 km to be negotiated today, gaining a maximum lead on the peloton of 5’40” before settling to around four minutes for much of the stage.

Grivko was the last man to be caught by the bunch, just 7 km from the finish, as he saw his dream evaporate after some 185 km in the breakaway. A crash in the final climb meant all the gaps in the leading group were nullified, so Jani Brajkovič remains 22 seconds behind the race leader but climbs a position in the overall standings, putting him in 13th place.

Astana’s Andriy Grivko

“We knew today would be a perfect stage for breaks,” said Giuseppe Martinelli. “There were almost no flat sections in the final kilometres, meaning it would not be easy for the peloton to close down the attackers. “We were convinced that Grivko would be able to make it to the finish and fight for victory, but it did not work out that way. In any case, he made a great move and deserves all my congratulations. I really think he deserved to win the stage today.

“This year, once again, the first stages of the Tour are too nervous and Jani Brajkovič has fallen three times. The peloton is taking a few too many risks. Everyone – quite rightly – is trying to make an impression, but sometimes they are going too far.

“Turning back to Bozič’s crash yesterday,” Martinelli continued, “we did the relevant tests in the evening and they did not show up any fractures, just a big bruise on his elbow which is really painful but will not stop Borut from continuing in the Tour.”

 

 

 

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