Team Sky: ‘We wouldn’t have worked as hard as BMC did today’
Dave Brailsford says he's happy to see Chris Froome in strong form after a day in which BMC Racing took the strain despite Sky's possession of the yellow jersey
Team Sky's Dave Brailsford says that the team would have been less "concerned" and wouldn't have ridden as hard as BMC Racing did to control the Tour de France's fifth stage to La Planche des Belles Filles today.
BMC led the race with its red and black train for much of the afternoon towards the final summit finish. Sky took over only for the final 5.9-kilometre climb.
Sky leader Chris Froome finished 16 seconds behind stage winner Fabio Aru (Astana). BMC leader Richie Porte finished with Froome's group, but lost four seconds due to Froome's time bonus for finishing in third place.
"I'm not sure we would've ridden as hard or been as concerned [as BMC]," said Sky general manager David Brailsford. "It was perfect. Thanks for that!
"Richie Porte? I think everyone was up there who was still in the top ten on GC and who will put in a good performance, and that's it. BMC did the work and Richie obviously did his best."
Porte accused Sky and Froome of playing mind games with him ahead of the Tour de France. He insisted Froome is the favourite for the race, despite Sky saying the opposite based on Porte's performances this spring and in the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Though Sky had the leader's jersey with Geraint Thomas, it was BMC Racing who worked hardest. It maintained the distance on an eight-man move that included Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal), Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors) and Jan Bakelants (Ag2r La Mondiale).
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Nobody was quite sure how today would pan out," continued Brailsford. "To be fair to BMC, they laid out their intent straight away, they made no qualms about what they were going to do.
"It shacked out on the climb. Chris confirmed that he's in good shape and is increasing his form, which was our expectation, but it was always nice to see that confirmed."
Watch highlights from stage five of the Tour de France
Froome came into the Tour de France without a win this season. Some questioned whether he was up to his usual level, especially after his slightly below par performance in the Critérium du Dauphiné in June.
"No, it was not a concern," Brailsford said of Froome's form, "but it's always nice to have it confirmed. It's not an exact science, but as he gets older and more confident, he knows himself so well now, and he managed himself brilliantly today.
"Off the back of that, Aru timed his attacked to perfection off the back of that flat section. Fair play to him. I'm happy with the rest of the results."
Thomas faded from the lead and finished 10th on the stage, 20 seconds behind Froome. He now sits 12 seconds behind his team captain in second overall in the general classification.
"It's always a bit of strange scenario when you have a yellow jersey with Geraint and Chris. You have to respect the yellow jersey, you have to respect Geraint, so it always adds another dimension to it slightly," said Brailsford.
"I think Geraint is going to ride himself into this race. He would prefer the longer duration climbs. Those suit him better. He'll be optimistic going into the longer, bigger mountains."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Introducing the start-up that helps cyclists find local mechanics and get a 'better service'
'We want to support the majority of the smaller, independent chains that are out there,' says Bikebook founder
By Tom Davidson Published
-
What pressure are you running? Three different pressure monitoring systems, put to the test
Real-time pressure sensors allow you to test your own tire pressures to go faster, be more comfortable, and get fewer flats
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Geraint Thomas to lead 'aggressive' Ineos Grenadiers
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published