cycling: Tour de France stage #17: Zakarin brings Russian victory of the day

Cycling: Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) ensured the first Russian day victory at this year's Tour de France. The only Russian in the entire field prevailed after a successful breakaway attempt against Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) and Rafal Majka (Tinkoff). Chris Froome (Sky) was in contention for the yellow jersey, while Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) suffered a bitter disappointment after the rest day.

Rafal Majka and Peter Sagan dominate their ratings

After the trilogy in the Pyrenees, the tetralogy in the Alps is now on the agenda. The first part of this tough multi-parter was held today over 184,5 km from Bern to Finhaut-Emosson. The 17th stage of the Tour de France initially included two category 3 mountains before the final climbs of Col de la Forclaz (category 1) and Finhaut-Emosson (top category) had to be conquered. Two riders who would not have had a chance today anyway and want to prepare for the Olympic Games in Rio were no longer there: Four-time stage winner Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) and Rohan Dennis (BMC). There were also other assignments during today's race as a result of falls: Gorka Izagirre (Movistar) has probably broken his collarbone and will certainly miss his captain Nairo Quintana, especially now in the Alps. Borut Bozic (Cofidis) and Tsgabu Grmay (Lampre-Merida) also had to leave the 2016 Tour de France. The pace in the first hour of the race was extremely high, as many drivers wanted to be in the leading group and there were a lot of attacks to report. Ultimately, after more than an hour, a large number of drivers, who were divided into three groups, were able to pull away. The two Tinkoff pilots, Rafal Majka and Peter Sagan, were right at the front. With their mountain jersey and points jersey, Alberto Contador's retirement can almost be forgotten. Needless to say, the two also secured points in their respective ratings today. It seems that two jerseys have almost been taken. Also in the leading group were Jarlinson Pantano and Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha).

Ilnur Zakarin prevails and Froome's opponents capitulate

When the Col de la Forclaz was conquered and the path up to Finhaut-Emosson was followed, the spectators felt reminded of the 15th stage, because once again Rafal Majka and Jarlinson Pantano were alone at the top and seemed to decide the stage win among themselves. But the Russian Ilnur Zakarin attacked from the chasing group, was able to easily shake off his fellow combatants and caught up with the top do. He proved to be the strongest and ultimately won the stage well ahead of Pantano and Majka. In the field of favorites hardly anything happened up to the last few kilometers. The teams seemed to capitulate and left the field to Sky. About two kilometers before the finish, Richie Porte (BMC) made the first serious attack. Chris Froome (Sky) initially let his former team-mate have his way, but then caught up with him with an inimitable acceleration. Not only did he shake off Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), but also Nairo Quintana (Movistar). After that, the Colombian couldn't even manage the group of youngsters Adam Yates hold. This seems to have decided the fight for the yellow jersey. The hopes of slight weaknesses or even a slump by Chris Froome were not fulfilled. However, the fight for the podium remains particularly exciting, because behind Chris Froome no driver seems to be consistently constant. Only Richie Porte makes a very strong impression, but the Australian lost about two minutes on a previous stage due to a puncture.

Tour de France Stage #17 – The day's result

Tour de France Stage #17 – The General Classification