German sprinter swaps for green after “probably the best thing that a cyclist can do”
Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) described his day in the Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France as “probably the best thing that a cyclist can do,” even though he was to ultimately lose it on the climbs between Bastia and Ajaccio on stage two. The 25-year-old German sprinter finished in 142nd place, 17’35” behind stage winner and new Maillot Jaune Jan Bakelants (RadioShack-Leopard), but the experience itself was something he will surely never forget.
“It was not as hard as it looked, maybe, because the yellow jersey was a big help on the climbs,” he said afterwards. “I had goosebumps when I went up the climb with so many people screaming my name. I really enjoyed it… unfortunately we lost the yellow jersey but that’s okay, it’s what we expected.”
Having started the day in possession of the green and white jerseys, as well as the yellow one, Kittel still holds the green jersey with a 47 points to 43 lead over second place on the stage Peter Sagan (Cannondale).
“I don’t know how the green one will feel but it will definitely again be a special experience,” said Kittel, “and I’m looking forward to wearing it in the Tour de France but the experience that I had today with the yellow jersey is probably the best thing that a cyclist can do.”
Like most of the sprinters Kittel expected to lose time on stage two, with its three 3rd category, and one 2nd category climbs, and was in the company of almost 60 other riders as he reached the finish.
“Today was not so easy but luckily I found a nice group and reached the finish without any problems,” he explained later. “It was hard, but I am a sprinter and know that these are stages where I have to suffer a bit before we get some more flat stages where I can get up to speed again.”
Stage three should be similarly difficult for Kittel and many of the rest of the fast men, but he will surely get more opportunities when the Tour reaches the French mainland later in the week.