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Checking Before Celebrating TdF24-76
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) wisely looked to his left to make sure he had gotten to the line ahead of Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) before raising his arms in celebration. He infamously celebrated a stage win two years ago without knowing that someone had already won the stage in a lone breakaway. Needless to say, he has been teased about that for years now. He is also aware that many have started their celebrations prior to actually crossing the line and gotten beaten by a well-timed bike throw. Speaking of bike throws, Van Aert's was a bit pointless since he was outsprinted by over a half a bike length. Many of the other marquee sprinters were caught up in the mayhem that was caused by the crash, but that does not negate the quality of Philipsen's second stage victory in this Tour. Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) finished fourth today and conceded thirty-two points to Philipsen in the race for the Maillot Vert. He still holds the jersey by twice that amount, but it is getting to look a little less like a sure thing.
There is only one more flat stage left for the sprinters to ply their trade, but it is on the other side of two days in the high mountains of the Pyrenees. How many will stay in the Tour with no sprint on the Champs Elysees to hang tough for. I have been betting that this is the last day in this Tour for Cavendish. But without getting to try to break his own record today, he may struggle to the final sprint stage after the final rest day next Monday.