Mitchelton-Scott rider Matteo Trentin of Italy wins the 200 kilometers Stage 17 from Pont du Gard to Gap, July 24, 2019. /VCG Photo
Italian rider Matteo Trentin took on a solo ride en route to his team Mitchelton-Scott's fourth stage victory of the year, while overall standings see no changes among several top contenders following stage 17 on Wednesday.
European champion Matteo Trentin won the hilly 200-km ride from the Pont du Gard as tempers flared in the peloton on Wednesday.
Britain’s Luke Rowe and Germany’s Tony Martin were both kicked out of the race following an altercation, just under 14 kilometers from the finish.
Riders compete during the 200 kilometers Stage 17 from Pont du Gard to Gap, July 24, 2019. /VCG Photo
Trentin jumped away from a reduced group of breakaway riders at the foot of the last climb and powered clear in the descent to claim his third stage victory on the Tour after previous wins in 2013 and 2014 .
“This win is worth two wins because after stage 10 to Albi, I thought my chances to win a stage were today,” said Trentin.
He added, “Today was definitely my last possibility before three days that are extremely demanding. My mentality helped me win even more than my legs. I would have never imagined to win solo.”
Riders compete during the 200 kilometers Stage 17 from Pont du Gard to Gap, July 24, 2019. /VCG Photo
France’s Julian Alaphilippe retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey, 1:35 ahead of defending champion Geraint Thomas.
Thursday’s 18th stage is a 208-km mountain trek between Embrun and Valloire featuring three climbs above 2,000 meters.
(With input from Xinhua and Reuters)