Peter Sagan described the opening stage of the 2016 Tour de France as “boring” and was disgruntled by the amount of tension in the peloton.
The Tinkoff world champion rode to third in Utah Beach behind winner Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) and Marcel Kittel (Etixx-QuickStep).
Yet despite his podium finish, the Slovakian didn’t enjoy the first day of the Tour. Asked for his thoughts on the stage’s proceedings, he said: “Boring.”
His teammate Alberto Contador was one of several riders to crash and although first week nerves are commonplace in the Grand Boucle, Sagan cannot fathom why.
“It was a lot of stress in the group for nothing and then in the final [kilometres] it is always the same riders in the front. I didn’t crash which is more important.”
>>> Five talking points from Tour de France 2016 stage one
Watch the highlights of stage one
On the incident that befell Contador, Sagan commented: “I was a little bit behind him, maybe 20 positions. I saw him on the ground. I didn’t see the crash.
“He has a lot of wounds on the back but I think he will be OK, nothing broken.”
The winner of the last four maillot vert, Sagan is once again expected to retain his grip on the sprint jersey but he hasn’t won at the Tour since stage seven in 2013.
“I am very happy with third place,” he added. “I think this start is OK.”
-
-
Anna van der Breggen launches signature clothing collection
Double world champion adds new kit range to her list of projects in her final year as a pro
By Simon Smythe •
-
Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow bend road handlebar reviewed
Go-to handlebars if you like a curly drop
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Peter Sagan explains the injury that saw him abandon the Tour de France 2021
The seven-time points jersey winner crashed on stage three and never fully recovered
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Peter Sagan set to sign for Team TotalEnergies after Tour de France, according to report
The former world champion is also set to bring Specialized and a group of riders and staff members with him
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Peter Sagan confirmed to target eighth green jersey at Tour de France
Sagan will share leadership roles with Wilco Kelderman
By Chris Marshall-Bell •
-
Peter Sagan says Wout van Aert should apologise over Tour de France sprinting incident
Peter Sagan says Wout van Aert should apologise for his reaction to a sprinting incident during the 2020 Tour de France.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
'We will go full gas for Peter': Bora-Hansgrohe prepare final assault on Tour de France green jersey
Peter Sagan faces not winning the green jersey for only the second time since 2012
By Jonny Long •
-
Peter Sagan shares his thoughts on sprint controversy after stage 11 of Tour de France 2020
Peter Sagan has shared his thoughts on the sprint controversy after stage 11 of the Tour de France 2020.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Wout van Aert tried to speak to Peter Sagan after stage 11 ‘but the only thing that came back was strong words’
Wout van Aert says he tried to speak to Peter Sagan after their incident of stage 11 of the Tour de France, but he only received “strong words” in response.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Five talking points from stage 11 of the Tour de France 2020
More on the Sagan and Van Aert drama, late attacks and a deserved Ewan win - these are the big moments from the day
By Stephen Puddicombe •
