(Moulins) Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen won his fourth stage victory in the 2023 Tour de France on Wednesday, taking his career victories to six.
Even without the help of Mathieu van der Poel, the rider from Alpecin-Deceuninck proved to be the strongest in the last frenetic kilometer of the 11th stage, a distance of 179.8 km between Clermont-Ferrand and Moulins in the center of France.
“It’s been an amazing Tour so far,” Philipsen said after dominating the rest of the pack. I don’t realize how well it’s going yet, but I’m super proud and very happy with my level of performance. Also, getting to the final (sprint) without getting in trouble is also a big challenge, and we’ve done it four times so far, so I’m super happy. »
Philipsen has lost just one of five group sprints since the start of the Grande Boucle this year; against Mad Pedersen, during the eighth stage.
With Van der Poel not taking part in the sprint, Philipsen smashed through traffic at an average speed of 65.6 km/h in the final kilometer to join Mark Cavendish as the only active runner to win the least four stage victories in a single edition of the Tour. Cavendish suffered a fall and was excluded from the Tour de France last week.
“I can win without him (van der Poel), but obviously he makes it a lot easier for me,” Philipsen admitted.
After Alexander Kristoff started the sprint, Dylan Groenewegen fought back with Philipsen in his wheel. The Belgian’s power was too much for Groenewegen, who had to settle for second place. Phil Bauhaus completes the stage podium.
“I had to find my bunny and create some space for myself, which is quite chaotic and dangerous for a fall, but I’m glad I was able to identify him — Groenewegen — towards the end. He opened the door and I was able to surprise him,” Philipsen summed up.
Philipsen crossed the finish line ahead of the leading pack in four hours one minute and seven seconds.
Quebecer Hugo Houle was the best of the three Canadians entered in the race. He completed the stage in 67th place, part of a field of cyclists who finished the race seven seconds behind the winner.
His fellow Quebecer Guillaume Boivin took 81st place, 35 seconds behind Philipsen, while Ottawa’s Michael Woods finished the race in 113th place, one minute behind the Belgian.
There were no major changes in the overall standings: Jonas Vingegaard maintains his 17-second lead over double champion Tadej Pogacar. Jai Hindley remains in third place, two minutes and 40 seconds behind.
Woods stayed in 27th place, 30:41 behind Vingegaard. Houle and Boivin rank 82nd and 127th, respectively.
The 12th stage on Thursday will take cyclists over a distance of 168.8 km, between Roanne and Belleville-en-Beaujolais.
67. Hugo Houle (CAN / IPT) at 7 seconds81. Guillaume Boivin (CAN/IPT) at 35113. Michael Woods (CAN/IPT) at 1:00
27. Michael Woods (CAN/IPT) à 30:4182. Hugo Houle (CAN/IPT) à 1 h 32:14127. Guillaume Boivin (CAN/IPT) 2 h 04:09
