During the intermediate sprint at Isbergues, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider was competing when Coquard shifted right, making contact with another cyclist before crossing into the Belgian’s path, leading to a crash.
“I didn’t intend for this to happen,” Coquard said afterward, visibly upset. “I apologize to Alpecin, even though it wasn’t deliberate. I nearly lost my shoe and couldn’t avoid it.”
Stage Preview
The race continues in northern France, but today’s route differs from previous flat stages. The final section features multiple climbs, resembling a Classic-style course. The last third includes several challenging ascents, favoring breakaway specialists and testing team leaders—a demanding day for both endurance riders and climbers. Tadej Pogacar remains a likely contender.
As noted in pre-race analysis, the finale includes a series of short but steep hills, notably the Rampe Saint-Hilaire, a 750-meter climb in the city center, located 5 kilometers from the finish. Positioning will be critical. One of the late climbs, the Côte de Bonsecours, holds historical significance—Jean Robic famously used it to secure victory in the 1947 Tour. However, in Pogacar’s dominant era, a similar late-stage turnaround appears unlikely.
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