Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Dylan Groenewegen sprinted to 11th in stage 14 to Villars-les-Dombes today. Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) won the 208-kilometre stage from a bunch sprint after an escape of four was brought under control. 

"I think there is no more in it, I start to get tired,” Groenewegen said.

He blamed it on the final two kilometres. "We were all right and some guys in front of me hit the brakes. I hit the grass and lost my team. Wynants then brought me back to the front, but in the sprint, I lacked power. I started my sprint in 12th place and I crossed the line 11th, which proves that I miss the power that I normally have.

"It is mainly because such a grand tour does have impact, and it is not abnormal that I'm getting tired."

“Monday’s stage is probably too heavy so the final, so my next chance is if I reach Paris. If I keep well, I’ll make it and try to sprint in Paris."

Two kilometres

"We heard a lot of shouting over the radio at two kilometres remaining, Dylan went on the roadside,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman added. “The men waited for him, but it took a lot of strength and Groenewegen wasn’t at the front anymore.

“We are full of motivation to deliver a good sprint before the Alps, but we have not succeeded."

Headwinds

 "Because of the headwind, we decided to wait,” Sep Vanmarcke said. "We were good together in the last three kilometres, where the wind played a major role. If you have headwind you quickly become tired and lose each other, so we decided to do short turns on the front.

“It's a shame because we were good together and we seemed to be perfect today.

“He showed a lot of character in the Pyrenees. If he makes it through the Alps, I hope he’s good for the sprint in Paris."