ProTeam Arnaud De Lie third in uphill sprint in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises

After an impressive result of Victor Campenaerts yesterday in the time trial, it was a day for the sprinters today. Arnaud De Lie had circled the eighth stage in red, in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises an uphill finish awaited which the Belgian Champion knew very well after having done a recon of it.

Three riders went for the breakaway: the polka dot jersey Jonas Abrahamsen, Neilson Powless and Stefan Bissegger. Abrahamsen stayed alone in front of the bunch with 14 kilometers to go. A nervous sprinted was in the making. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) took his second victory this Tour. Arnaud De Lie finished third. 

Sports Director Mario Aerts looked back on the stage: "Arnaud started his sprint a bit too late. He was very strong and he had circled this stage in red for a long time already. Bauhaus came from the right and then he was stuck behind Philipsen and Girmay. He didn't miss out on any sprint so far, but it's all about the details in the Tour. The good thing is he was on the appointment in all sprints, but of course we would like a win with the team."

"Tomorrow it will be very nervous with the gravel stage, also with the GC guys. The hardest part is in the middle. Positioning, crashes and punctures will decide the scenario." 

Picture: PhotoNews