QUIMPER, France – Chris Froome could thank his Team Sky colleagues for keeping him out of danger – and helping him overcome a mechanical problem – in the race’s first hilly stage.
Overall race leader Greg Van Avermaet, clad in yellow, mistimed his sprint. Sagan, the three-time reigning world champion with the Bora-Hansgrohe team, took advantage to earn his second victory in this year’s event.
“I don’t know if he did it on purpose, or if he wanted to drop everybody,” Sagan said, “but I have to say thanks.”
Van Avermaet still increased his overall lead over BMC teammate Tejay van Garderen to two seconds by gaining precious time in an intermediate bonus sprint.
After a move from Philippe Gilbert, Van Avermaet accelerated out of the final turn with 300 yards to go but couldn’t maintain his pace.