08/07/2012

TOUR, eighth stage: final with suspance, Nibali among the protagonists
Second mountain stage and other selection among the bests



After seven GPM the eighth stage of the Tour de France, from Belfort to Porrentruy (157 km), exploded in the final kilometres. The last climb, and following descend, fractionated the group. Liquigas-Cannondale’s leader Vincenzo Nibali first tried to leave his mark with an attack, then decided to don’t lose much energies and look to Wiggins and Evans. The “Shark” passed the finish line in 5th position, 26” from winner Pinot and together with the English rider, the Australian rider, Menchov, Van den Broeck and other three riders.



«I thought to attack to earn others seconds in respect of the riders behind me in GC – explained Nibali -. In plus Wiggins had only Froome to help, Evans was near and could follow me for an interesting action: I think I had to try, also if the descend was short. In last kilometres there was no chance because of the wind against us. On the last climb the team got in front of the group to make a regular rhythm, to maintain Peter with us and maybe get closed to the break to play our chance in the final. The attack of Van den Broeck and Venendert made a hard selection, so I had to follow. In my mind was also clear the wish to don’t spend much energies in view of tomorrow ITT. I want to do a good performance and don’t lose much time in respect of specialists Wiggins and Evans».



Today’s stage didn’t change the situation in Tour de France’s classifications: Nibali is again third in GC, while Sagan continues to hold the green jersey (217 points versus 185 of Goss).