Sagan: I Thought I Was Second

Last updated : 18 July 2016 By ASO

Peter Sagan has said that he thought he was second on stage sixteen of the 103rd Tour De France.

Sagan who threw his bike at the line and won in a photo finish said to ASO: "I was not waiting for the results, I thought I was second until they came and told me I had won. It's unbelievable. After so many times finishing 2nd… The wheel turns.

"I want to thank my team for the work they did all day. Then it was a crazy finale, very technical. Everyone wanted to be in my wheel. I think Kristoff made a mistake in the sprint. He jumped very late and that's how I won."

Race leader Chris Froome said: "It was a pretty sketchy finale so I was just trying to stay out of trouble. Today was tough, I think everyone will now welcome the rest day. I'm very tired but I'm looking forward to the Alps. I'm motivated, the team is doing great… I think we've never been in such a good shape for the third week. We still have nine riders and the morale is great. Tomorrow, I'll have a press conference. I'll try to go for ride and chill out a bit."

Young Rider Adam Yates said: "It was pretty fast today… It took 50 or 60 kilometres for the break to get away. Everyone wanted to go, there were lots of attacks and I think we kept at 48 km/h all day long… So, yes, very fast! There's still al long way to go to Paris, lots of climbing and the time-trial."

Tony Martin of Etixx Quick Step spent most of the day in the break and said:"It's a happy ending for us with that prize we can share. It didn't work out for the victory but it's a big honour for us. This is the first time in history, I'm proud of what we did. The break was not as long as we expected but definitely harder. It was a bit crazy but if you don't try, you don't win. I hope the fans and the spectators enjoyed it."