Sylvain Chavanel Promises to Attack Again During the 2012 Tour De France
Team Omega Pharma-Quick-Step rider Sylvain Chavanel put in a valiant effort to earn a stage win during Stage 3, but was caught prior to the finish.
It's this aggressive riding style that has made Chavanel a popular rider among fans in France, even if he's unable to cross the finish line first.
The 33-year-old experienced rider jumped from the peloton with about 5.5 kilometers remaining in the stage, and likely made his move a bit too early.ย However, he seemed to see a lull in the action, so he went all-in to try and get a stage win and the yellow jersey.
TOP NEWS
Rookies with Most to Gain in Training Camp ๐
LeBron Calls Out Schedule Delay
Indiana FB Lands First 5-Star Ever
Race radio reported he had around a 12-second lead with 2.5 kilometers left, but ended up being swept up with less than 1,000 meters left in the stage.
Chavanel stands a bit too high on the overall general classification (GC), so Team BMC and race leader Fabian Cancellaraโs Team RadioShack-Nissan riders helped pull back the French time-trial champion.
Chavanel spoke about his race strategy (via LโEquipe via CyclingNews):
"โI hadnโt planned anything special for the finale.ย But when I saw Cancellara drop back a bit during the climb, I decided to play my card.ย Heโs a smart one though, he already knew what he was preparing forโฆ But nobody let me go when I jumped, so that must mean they are a little bit afraid of me.ย Itโs a good sign to finish 12th on the stage despite my attack.ย It confirms my good sensations.ย The Tour has only started โ now I will get on the attack.โ
"
Have to applaud Chavanel for his attack against the peloton, as he was able to get a gap before they organized.ย If Chavanel can maintain this good form, heโs an experienced rider and a great opportunist, so heโs not done quite yet.
It's great to see riders decide to try and create their own opportunity for glory, and Chavanel is a cheeky veteran.ย He won't be done just yet, and I can't wait to see what he does next.
With sprinter Tom Boonen electing to skip the Tour, and time-trial specialist Tony Martin suffering a broken wrist, Chavanel's Omega Pharma-Quick-Step team will have to carefully pick times to attack.ย
American rider Levi Leipheimer is the protected general classification (GC) rider, but chasing stage wins is likely a bigger priority.
