Stressful stage

“There was a strong wind, it was very hot and everybody was pushing his way to the front. The riders were worried that the pack would split up so there was a lot of pushing and shoving. We also tried to keep a position at the front to minimize the risk of falls,” said Roman who crashed twice in the previous stage. “My foot got swollen overnight but we bandaged it up and it caused no troubles during the stage. Besides, everybody in the pack is a bit beaten,” Roman added. He came home five seconds behind the winner, just like all the favorites. “Somebody left a gap open, Evans or Froome, I guess. But it makes no difference. The sprinters are really strong here and it is not easy to keep up the pace with them in the finale.”