John Degenkolb out of Tour de France: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose
Aug 30 2020 05:40 am CET
Photo of John Degenkolb (c) Lotto Soudal
Lotto Soudal's John Degenkolb has arrived to the finish line of the first stage at the Tour of France outside the time limit, and for him the race is over.
The first stage of La Grande Boucle was crash-marred and one victim of the many falls that happened during the day was Degenkolb. The German rider hit the deck with 65 kilometres to go and the crash affected both his knees. Although he managed to finish the stage, he did it outside the time limit.
Further checks didn't reveal any fractures, but his injuries would have made it difficult for him to continue riding. "The problem is especially my right knee, but the knee cap is okay," said Degenkolb.
"There was however a big impact on the bursa and the knee is swollen. I am deeply disappointed to leave the Tour like this, especially on the first day. There is nothing we can do. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I think that also for my health it is better to go home. The season is not over yet.
Degenkolb's teammate Philippe Gilbert was also involved in a bad crash and finished the stage 11 minutes behind the winner of the day, Alexander Kristoff. At the moment he is the hospital undergoing checks on his left knee.
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