Pascal Ackermann makes podium on stage 10
Pascal Ackermann sprinted to third place on stage 10 of the Tour de France, continuing his upward trend in the sprint finishes after previously finishing ninth, sixth, and fourth.
Without a single categorized climb and not enough wind to split the peloton, it was no surprise that today’s flat stage took place at a relatively slow pace without any real breakaway attempts. It was only in the final part that things got hectic, and the IPT riders were always well-positioned.
“The team did a really amazing job today,” Ackermann said after the stage. “We were always together, and Jakob [Fuglsang] kept us at the front by himself for over 40 km. The other guys took over, and then Jake [Stewart] did a great job in the final. I was in the wheel of [stage winner] Philipsen, but in the end, he was just too strong. Now, I’m really looking forward to the next sprint opportunity.”
Today’s third place is the second podium position in a row for Israel – Premier Tech after Derek Gee finished third on Sunday’s stage 9. Tomorrow, the Tour de France continues with a hilly stage from Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran, which looks like another good chance for a break to make it all the way.
