ProTeam Artz sprints to an impressive fourth place in Pau, Veistroffer wins the combativity award

Stage five of the Tour de France took the riders from Lannemezan to Pau over 158 kilometres. Pau has traditionally been a sprinters’ finish, but Baptiste Veistroffer had no intention of waiting for that. As soon as the flag dropped, the Breton did exactly what he had promised before the stage: attack. He embarked on a 144-kilometre solo breakaway, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds throughout the day. After the stage, Veistroffer stepped onto the podium to receive the combativity award.

“It was incredible. All those people along the road shouting my name. I’m so grateful the team gave me the opportunity to ride the Tour. Racing on French roads as a French rider in the biggest race in the world felt amazing. Next time I’ll go for the win, but I’m incredibly happy and proud to receive the combativity award. Standing on the Tour podium has been a childhood dream.”

When Veistroffer was caught with 14 kilometres to go, the peloton raced towards the finish in Pau. Completely unexpectedly, Huub Artz expertly fought his way to the front in the final kilometre. The Dutch national time trial champion sprinted alongside the biggest names in the peloton to an outstanding fourth place, finishing ahead of riders such as Philipsen, Girmay and Pedersen.

“For a moment I thought the podium was within reach, but I’m really happy with fourth place. This is the Tour de France. I still can’t quite believe what this means because I never dared to dream of something like this.”

Following Lennert Van Eetvelt’s strong performances, the impressive rides by Veistroffer and Artz provide even more reasons for optimism for the remainder of the Tour. Intermarché-Lotto will continue to go all out in pursuit of stage victories.

Picture: Cyclingmedia_agency