July 12, 2013 – If someone still did not understand how unpredictable is the Tour de France, today had an amazing proof. In the 13th stage (Tours-Sant Amand Montrond, 173 km), on paper suited for sprinters, the peloton had an adrenalin day. In the chaos of the groups and small groups, created by the wind and by the organized attacks of some teams, Cannondale Pro Cycling stand out thanks to his readiness and compactness. Peter Sagan, supported by his teammates, stayed in the leading group for the entire stage. In the finale, with his Maciej Bodnar and other 12 riders, Sagan sprinted against Cavendish (the only pure sprinter) and placed second. A good result in a so hard stage, but Sagan was not really satisfied.
“I had to manager in a better way the finale” said honestly Sagan “because I must be on Cavendish wheel, not him on mine. I’m happy to make the front group in a such stressful and hard stage, but not for the result. I don’t like to make mistakes, even if it’s hard to win against Cavendish in a fast sprint. Anyway, I gained a useful experience for the future. I’m disappointed but I hope to have a new chance tomorrow to get even”.
In points classification Sagan has still a good advantage on his competitors: 357 points Peter, 273 Cavendish (+84) and 217 Greipel (+140).