Tough start
With the Col de la Schlucht early in the stage the riders almost immediately had to start climbing. Several riders took their chance and attacked. Eventually Martin and De Marchi got a gap. Soon a large group chased the two leaders. Among other Cancellara, Rolland, Van Avermaet, Rodriguez and Tony Gallopin were part of it. With the eleventh place in GC at 3’27” of leader Nibali the Frenchman of Lotto Belisol could try to take over the yellow jersey.
Gallopin conquers yellow
The chase group didn’t get closer than three minutes on the leaders. On Le Markenstein, the longest climb of the day, Martin left De Marchi behind. In the meantime Tony Gallopin rode virtually in yellow. The sign for him not to let drop the pace of the chase group. Nothing could be done about Tony Martin. He rode solo to the victory in Mulhouse and can start in the polka dot jersey tomorrow. Almost three minutes later Cancellara sprinted to the second place. Van Avermaet completes the top three. Gallopin finished as 16th and the advantage on the peloton was large enough to conquer the yellow jersey. He leads with 1’34” on Nibali.
Tomorrow, Bastille Day, Tony Gallopin can wear the yellow jersey and defend it on the way to La Planche des Belles Filles.
Tony Gallopin: “After the cobblestone stage I started thinking about today’s stage and the possibility to take the yellow jersey. The team gave me the freedom to join a breakaway. Although that wasn’t easy. It took a while before we had a sufficient gap. I didn’t have a super day, but I knew it was possible to close the gap on Nibali. I responded to all attacks, because I didn’t want to miss the break of the day.”
“There was nothing to do against Tony Martin. When the stage win was gone, I had to go full to enlarge the gap with the peloton. When I started believing in it? When we reached the top of the Grand Ballon, the last climb of the day, with five minutes lead I knew yellow was within my reach. Luckily the guys of Europcar cooperated, they rode for their leader Rolland, to take time on the peloton.”
Unique moment
“There’s a big difference between dream and reality. But my dream came true. This is a fantastic feeling I will cherish for a long time. It’s amazing to wear the yellow jersey on Bastille Day. Tomorrow it will definitely be a tough stage to La Planche des Belles Filles. I will feel today’s efforts and those of the past days. I have a minimal lead on Nibali, but I have nothing to lose. My yellow dream is fulfilled and I will enjoy it tomorrow.”
About Tony Gallopin
Date of birth: 24/05/1988
Place of birth: Dourdan
Length: 1m80
Weight: 68 kg
Pro début: 2008
Teams
2008 – 2009: Auber 93
2010 – 2011: Cofidis
2012 – 2013: Radio Shack
2014: Lotto Belisol
Victories
2010: 3rd stage Tour de Luxembourg
2011: 2nd stage Tour du Limousin, Flèche d’Emeraude and overall winner of the Coupe de France
2013: Clásica San Sebastián
