The sprinters knew just how important today’s stage was. It was likely their final real opportunity to fight for victory in a bunch sprint, and Anthony Turgis made the most of it.
The stage remained largely uneventful until the final hour of racing. The breakaway, featuring Mattéo Vercher, stayed within a minute of the peloton for much of the day. That didn’t stop several riders from launching late attacks, however. Among them was Mathis Le Berre, who made a move in the closing kilometres before being reeled in by the sprinters’ teams.
As expected, the stage victory was decided in a fast and hectic sprint through the streets of Chalon-sur-Saône. Despite a chaotic finish, Anthony Turgis expertly found his way through the pack to secure an impressive sixth place after 3 hours, 38 minutes and 53 seconds of racing.
The Frenchman has now recorded his third top-10 finish of this year’s Tour de France.
Anthony Turgis after the finish:
“We knew this was probably the last real opportunity for the sprinters to fight for a result. The team did a great job positioning me, and finishing sixth at the Tour de France is still an encouraging result. The sprint was particularly hectic, with a big crash in the finale. I didn’t really see it, but that’s part of the risks that come with bunch sprints. I still hope to get another opportunity before Paris, even on a different type of stage. This sixth place is also a reward for the great team effort throughout the day.”
The Tour de France now heads towards Belfort, where the riders will tackle the Ballon d’Alsace, the day’s main climb. The stage marks the beginning of a demanding mountain weekend, one in which Team TotalEnergies will once again look to animate the race.
