Warren Barguil plays down Tour de France chances despite strong start
Frenchman Warren Barguil insists he is only after a stage win at the Tour de France, with the team time trial likely to determine his GC fate
Giant-Alpecin‘s Warren Barguil insists the general classification is not his main goal in his first Tour de France, despite sitting in 11th overall after four stages.
The 23-year-old, who won two stages of the Vuelta a España in 2013, sits just 1m19 off yellow jersey holder Tony Martin and is well placed in relation to the big contenders for the overall crown.
But the Frenchman insists that Sunday’s 28km team time trial could be pivotal in determining whether he rides for a good GC position or stage wins, although the stages between now and then could also prove tricky.
“I take it day by day and that’s my strength, I’m not stressed out,” Barguil told Reuters before stage five.
“You can lose time today, tomorrow (because of possible bunch-splitting winds). I said I’d see where I stand after the team time trial (on Sunday).”
Giant-Alpecin sprinter John Degenkolb was reportedly unhappy with the Barguil on stage four for protecting himself towards the end of the stage rather than helping the German win the stage.
But Barguil says he’s just enjoying himself at the Tour, while the world will be watching just how he can keep up with the big guns when the race hits the mountains.
He said: “I’m enjoying it, it’s cool, I’m here to discover the Tour de France and enjoy it.”