The Tour de France 2015
The Tour de France 2015 is already in France, where it will have its fourth leader in four stages. Tony Martin, riding a teammate's bicycle, started his sprint 3 kilometers from the finish line and triumphed in Cambrai. After two days of disappointment, the German cyclist finally wore the yellow jersey that Chris Froome had previously worn. Froome, Alberto Contador, Nairo Quintana, Vincenzo Nibali, Tejay Van Garderen, and Joaquim Rodríguez entered the chasing group. Despite his persistent efforts on the cobbled road, Rodríguez was not able to drop his rivals. The cobbles only punished Thibout Pinot, who was frustrated by mechanical issues.
Fabian Cancellara and Others Absent
Fabian Cancellara, one of the best specialists of all time, could not ride on his beloved cobbles. As he announced the day before, "Spartacus" did not start the race because x-rays revealed two fractured vertebrae. However, he heroically finished the third stage. Daryl Impey also followed the same path with a broken collarbone. Andreas Schillinger was absent due to an infection. The list of injuries was extensive. With a large portion of the peloton bruised and Froome wearing yellow, the feared cobbled stage began.
The First Breakaway
As usual, the first breakaway of the day formed at kilometer 5 with Westra, De Gendt, Quémeneur, and Brun, reaching a lead of 9 minutes. The quartet arrived at the first of the seven cobbled sections, still 122 km away, with the peloton closing in. The cobbles from Pont-à-Celles to Gouy did not bring any changes but showcased the mechanical arsenal. The top contenders in the peloton changed bicycles, using shock absorbers, artisanal tubular tires, and double tape on their handlebars.
Nervous Moments
The following six sections were concentrated in the last 42 kilometers. The feared rain timidly appeared near the cobblestones, just like the previous year. Before even reaching the cobbles, there were several crashes involving Dan Martin and Dowsett, adding to the nerves. Nibali sharpened his knife. The crucial moment had arrived. The "Shark," who had gained an advantage on this terrain the previous year, made his first attack in section 6, but his rivals held on. He attacked again in section 5 but still couldn't create a gap. Peace returned in section 4, but he launched another attack in section 3. Still, no success. The "Big Four" stayed together. In the penultimate section, Pinot suffered a mechanical problem and dropped back. The frustrated Frenchman even hit his bicycle on the ground. The Tour slipped away from him.
The Final Battle
The four leaders, well protected by their large teammates, reached the last section together: 2,300 meters from Avesnes-les-Aubert to Carnieres. Purito Rodríguez was also there. The rain did not intensify, making survival easier. Only one bullet was missing. Astana pushed at the front, Alejandro Valverde moved to the front positions, Zdenek Stybar attacked... And finally, a break was made. Froome and Nibali emerged at the front, but they did not open a significant gap. There was also no understanding between them. Valverde signaled back, where his leader Nairo was. Tinkoff organized quickly and caught them 8 km later. The scare was over.
The Sprint to the Finish
Only the resolution of the stage remained. Tony Martin started his sprint 3 kilometers from the finish line in search of the yellow jersey that had eluded him in the past two stages. The German cyclist, who had suffered a mechanical problem, rode on Matteo Trentin's bicycle. "With a bike that was not mine, I thought I would have to wait for another day to win a stage." But he didn't have to. Martin took advantage of a momentary pause behind to create a gap. All the top contenders were in the main group... except one: Thibout Pinot, the only victim of the cobbles. This year, the cobbles weren't decisive.