Jens Keukeleire: I had forgotten about that roundabout
Jul 22 2017 12:39 am CET
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS FEEDSBelgian rider Jens Keukeleire was one of the candidates for the win in the 19th stage of the Tour de France, but was forced to watch as Edvald Boasson Hagen attacked and took the win instead.
"It was a missed chance," said the Orica-Scott rider to Sporza after finishing third behind Boasson Hagen and Nikias Arndt.
"But I had a good time today. It was nice to make the race. I felt really good and not everyone can say that after three weeks. Boasson Hagen isn't an unexpected winner, of course. He was the best in the lead group."
Boasson Hagen attacked with about two kilometers to go, by choosing the right side of a roundabout while most of his companions, including Keukeleire, took the longer left side.
"We had discussed the roundabout in the bus this morning," he explained. "It was better to take the right side but that wasn't really on my mind. I knew the final and I only realized it once we were already on the roundabout."
Orica-Scott was represented by two riders in the front group, Keukeleire and Michael Albasini. Nevertheless, the two did not get a chance to go for victory. "With Albasini I had a good teammate at the front. But if Boasson Hagen goes, then you know that you shouldn't give him more than 10 meters. I would have liked to sprint against him. It's a shame."
