today 11:25
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The cyclists were supposed to spend the last day of rest in the 109th Tour de France before the demanding final week, during which not only the decisive and difficult Pyrenean tests await the competitors, but also a long time trial and then a demonstration ride on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
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They had, but the organizers “drove” most of the teams sixty kilometers further south to Narbonne, to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Disinterested respondents might think that they were forced to go and cool off in the sea waves. However, most, and perhaps no one, used this option. Among them is Peter Sagan.
PETER SAGAN did not take advantage of the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean during the day, preferring to rest
„I also spent this free day mainly relaxing. We have already covered significantly more than two thousand competitive kilometers and I think we are all very happy that it will be over soon.” said Peter Sagan, who started his eleventh Tour de France this year.
In the forenoon, the whole team had a bit of free time for a ride, of course, there was a traditional coffee in one of the seaside bars. “We were by the sea, but none of us went swimming. We also have a swimming pool in the hotel, but I personally choose a shower and a room in an air-conditioned room before refreshing myself in the water. More or less, when there is a race, there is no time or desire for any such whims.
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In general, the prevailing opinion in the race convoy was that the second week was significantly more difficult than the initial stages and that even in the Pyrenees it would not be as demanding as in the Alps and then in the Massif Central.
“It was a really cruel week. Difficult alpine stages with demanding climbs and then kilometers in the wind, great heat and also with unpleasant, although not long, hills. It was practically impossible to get a little rest anywhere. When, after the stage with the finish in Alpe d’Huez, we were preparing for the start of the following kilometers, everyone thought that it would be much better, but for me personally it was definitely not easy.”
Peter Sagan finished this last part of the race before the final third rest day with a fourth place in the fifteenth stage in Carcassonne. “Of course I wanted to achieve more. But I have to sportily admit that the three competitors who won the podium positions were faster than me. I can’t say that I was in a bad position, that my opponents closed me down and didn’t allow me to fully develop my sprint. I did what I was capable of at the time, but the opponents were faster this time.”
In one of the stages on the way from the Alps, Peter Sagan did not feel ideal. “Yes, it was during the stage to Saint Etienne. It was an ordeal for me at times. After challenging kilometers in the Alps, I somehow got lost on the plain and finally arrived at the finish line in a group. It was interesting that in the next stage, where there were significantly more hills, I felt much better.”
Peter Sagan, as he himself admitted, has already forgotten about the points competition and would like to win at least a stage. “Van Aert is clearly the best, he’s not afraid of hills either, he gets involved in every possible sprint where he can. He is on the best way to fulfill his ambition, which he talked about long before the Tour.”
When asked if Peter Sagan was satisfied with his results so far this year, he seemed to think for a moment before saying. “It could definitely be better, but I won’t complain. Those results are what they are, I won’t change them anymore. I can only improve it by a little.’
Cyclists now have a journey to the Pyrenees and a few more challenging tests there. “Perhaps it won’t be so hot anymore and hopefully we’ll survive somehow, we’re running out of time. This last week will certainly pass acceptably and I believe that it will go downhill from the overall point of view.”
According to Peter Sagan, it has not yet been decided who could reap success in the Paris finish of this year’s Tour de France. “Some have it well, some worse, but on the Tour, if it goes in this direction, the final decision is always made in the Pyrenees. Why should this year be an exception? Maybe there will be some interesting battles in the fight for the overall championship and the audience will have their own way.”
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However, the Slovak does not dare to determine who will rejoice the most on the Champs-Élysées. “It’s open and we’ll see. These are battles that take place outside of me…”
Peter Sagan did not forget to emphasize that he does not feel so much pressure in his new TotalEnergies team and that he feels better on the Tour, especially from the psychological side, than in the past, when everyone was only interested in results.
“In the previous team it seemed to be more about business, in TotalEnergies there is really more of a family atmosphere. People are nicer to each other and I don’t feel any pressure on myself either. Not every season is successful, even mine this year was due to several factors. Understanding reigns here, and that is the most important thing. Results aren’t always everything.” added Peter Sagan during the final day of rest in the seaside town of Narbonne.
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