Greg Van Avermaet: 'It's an honour to ride in the yellow jersey, that's why I tried to defend it'
Van Avermaet puts in superb ride to extend lead to 2-22 on first mountain stage
Belgian Classics star Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) will fight until the last to hold on to the yellow jersey in the Tour de France in order to honour the jersey.
Van Avermaet rode the cobbles to Roubaix with ease in stage nine, but many thought that he would lose the lead in the first Alpine stage on Tuesday. However he fought to maintain it by going in the break and ended up adding nearly two minutes to his overall lead.
"The yellow jersey is as big as a stage win in the Tour de France," Van Avermaet said. "I am really enjoying it.
"It's a real honour to ride with this everyday, and that's why I tried to defend it as much as possible. And that's why I try to show it and be at the front. That's why I attacked in Roubaix, and I have been at the front today.
"I have already spent 11 days in yellow, and not many Belgian guys have had this jersey."
Van Avermaet gave Belgium a gold medal in the road race at the 2016 Olympics. He has also developed to the top level in the Classics, last year going on a winning streak that saw him take E3 Harelbeke, Ghent-Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
He had the leader's yellow jersey for three days in 2016, but now he has had it since stage three when his team won the time trial. The ride is for him but for also the team who lost overall leader Richie Porte due to a crash and fractured collarbone on stage nine.
Van Avermaet put in a huge effort to keep the lead over four major climbs on Tuesday after after making into a large breakaway early in the stage.
The group was whittled down byt stayed free over the big Alpine passes including the Col de la Croix Fry and the Col de la Colombière. Van Avermaet lost contact with Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors), who went on to win the stage, but gained 1-39 on Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) and now leads by 2-22.
"Today I went at the right moment that cost a lot of energy. Getting in the break gave me some minutes and that was key to me being able to keep the yellow jersey," Van Avermaet said.
>>> Five talking points from stage 10 of the Tour de France
"Today was a good day, but tomorrow will be a super hard day. In the past, I know I can have a good day the day after a rest day. I also know that I can also pay it back when I go over my limit.
"Tomorrow is probably a little too much. I am happy that I could defend it today but I am giving myself almost zero chance tomorrow to keep the jersey."
Wednesday's stage 11 is shorter than stage 10 at just 108.5km, but features four major climbs, starting with the Montée de Bisanne, Col du Pré, and Cormet de Roselend, before a summit finish to La Rosière.
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.
-
New bikepacking route network opens in Arkansas
The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas in partnership with nonprofit Bikepacking Roots opens five new bikepacking routes, all beginning in Fayetteville, that range from 60-190 miles.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
HUNT 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke Aero Disc Wheelset
An impressive all-rounder that's well-suited to wider tyres and a range of riding styles
By Andy Turner Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet, Olympic champion, Roubaix winner, to retire from cycling at the end of 2023
The Belgian says he has "no regrets" as he will head out of the peloton aged 38
By Adam Becket Published
-
Eight riders to watch in the men's Strade Bianche 2023
Wout van Aert sits out due to illness, opening the door for a potentially new winner in the Piazza del Campo
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tour de Yorkshire to be replaced with new look cycling event in 2024
Tour de Yorkshire not due to return to north of England, although initial plans announced for new cycling event in area
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Greg Van Avermaet looking for redemption at Paris-Roubaix after omission from Belgian Worlds squad
The Belgian has represented his national team at the World Championships every year since 2007
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'In my own country, I'm not part of the team': Philippe Gilbert and Greg Van Avermaet not selected for home World Championships
There were a few surprise names left off the list for the Flanders 2021 Worlds
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet said he ‘hoped to be better’ but content with podium finish in Tour of Flanders
Greg Van Avermaet said he’d hoped to be “just a little better” in the Tour of Flanders, but settled for a podium finish.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet reveals new bike for 2021 as Olympic champion returns to BMC machines
Greg Van Avermaet has revealed his new machine for the 2021, as he returns to BMC machine.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Greg Van Avermaet to make last-minute decision on whether he can race Tour of Flanders
The Belgian says he will only participate if he can compete, saying he has no interest in just riding from Antwerp to Oudenaarde
By Jonny Long Published