ProTeam Andreas Kron: “We keep on fighting for a stage win.”

Lotto Soudal rider Andreas Kron left a strong impression on stage fourteen of the Tour towards Mende, but was struck by bad luck in the very final of the race. Due to a puncture, the young Dane dropped out of a four-man front group which got away from a sizeable breakaway that was set to fight for the stage victory. The Tour debutant managed to make his way back to the chasing group but eventually crossed the line in 13^th place after the steep Montée Jalabert.

The fourteenth stage of the Tour de France was set to be one for the breakaway specialists, which caused a huge fight in the opening kilometres. After constant attacks, a strong 23-rider breakaway was gradually formed at around 150 kilometres from the finish. Lotto Soudal was represented at the front by the young Dane Andreas Kron and with an advantage of ten minutes, it soon became clear that the stage winner would come from the break. When the tactical game between the escapees began at around 50 kilometres from the line, Kron was up there and managed to sneak his way into a four-rider move together with Michael Matthews, Luis Leon Sanchez and Felix Großschartner.

“With such a big breakaway, it would always be a tactical battle so I had to choose the right moment to attack. When we got away with four strong guys, I was really confident that we could go for the stage win. In any case, I was part of the right group”, said Andreas Kron.

Their advantage never reached over a minute but their fine cooperation put pressure on the chasers. It looked like the four at the front would also start the final climb Montée Jalabert (3 kilometres at 10%) but bad luck struck for Andreas Kron as he was faced with a puncture. The Dane could make his way back in the chasing group but had to settle for a thirteenth place in Mende. Michael Matthews – part of the four-rider move – took the stage honours.

“I punctured in full descent due to a little stone on the road, I was forced to ride on the rim and I could narrowly avoid a crash. That was of course a real bummer. I will never know what would have happened without that crash because Matthews was looking really strong. Of course it still was a nice chance for a stage victory because I could start the final climb in a nice position. On the climb, it would be about having the legs. This missed opportunity is a pity but we keep on fighting for that stage win”, concludes Andreas Kron.

Following yesterday’s crash, Caleb Ewan faced a difficult day on the bike but he was guided to the finish line in time with the help of this teammates.

“It is thanks to my teammates that I am still in the Tour. Due to that fast start to the stage, I got dropped already early in the stage and had to find my own pace. I am really grateful that my teammates supported me in getting to the finish in time. Of course this isn’t an ideal situation but I keep on fighting for that stage win”, reacted Caleb Ewan.