Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 3:01 PM
The place Jasper Philipsen was the massive winner within the Tour sprints final 12 months, there have been already a number of quick males partying within the first week of the Tour. How does former high sprinter Marcel Kittel view the mass sprints on this Tour de France? “The distinction is just not that large,” he mentioned earlier than the beginning of the tenth stage at Sporza.
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Kittel, now 36 years outdated, works as an analyst for, amongst others, NOS current within the Tour de France and earlier than the beginning of the tenth stage to Saint-Amand-Montrond, shed some gentle on the previous bunch sprints. What did the German discover? “Lead-outs are much less vital, as a result of the sprinters are roughly on the similar degree. The distinction is just not that large.”
“That is simply nice for us, as a result of it at all times makes for thrilling sprints. You do not know who will win ultimately. We have additionally seen sports activities historical past within the sprints, first with Biniam Girmay after which with Mark Cavendish. Very particular moments.”
Jasper Philipsen
Jasper Philipsen was unbeatable within the 2023 Tour, however the Belgian continues to be on the lookout for his first dash victory. “I believe he climbs a bit too nicely and due to this fact lacks that final 2% velocity,” Kittel believes. “That may occur. It occurred to me in 2016 too. I felt bodily tremendous good, however within the dash I missed one thing. A sprinter thrives on self-confidence and Jasper nonetheless has to construct that up right here. Possibly it’s going to work out at present.”
Kittel has been retired from biking for 5 years now. How does he see biking now? “It’s unbelievable to be again within the Tour, to expertise the ambiance and see my outdated teammates once more. However I’m actually not jealous of the riders. I’m a fan of the game now and I perceive it higher than after I was a rider. There are additionally so many issues which have modified.”
