Russian rider Zakarin in no mood to discuss doping after Tour win
He takes first stage in the Alps amid concerns cyclist doping may have been covered up too
Ilnur Zakarin hardly had enough energy to zip up his jersey and celebrate upon winning one of the most gruelling stages of the Tour de France.
The Russian rider settled for a half-zip and a half left-fist pump instead, leaving the earpiece of his radio dangling from his bare chest, before two helpers pushed him toward the podium ceremony.
“We did a plan for the Tour de France, which was riding with no goals for two weeks, just to stay away from troubles. Then the goal was to peak during the third week to win a stage,” Zakarin said after carrying out the plan to perfection.
Zakarin’s daughter Kristina was born on the first day of the Tour and the most he’s seen of her has come on Skype.
Part of an early breakaway in the 17th stage on Wednesday – the first of four legs in the Alps – Zakarin caught up to Rafal Majka and Jarlinson Pantano at the beginning of the day’s final climb and then launched a furious attack with 6.5 kilometres to go.
Zakarin rode the 184.5 kilometre (114.6-mile) route at an average speed of 40 kph (25 mph) – 2 kph faster than organisers’ fastest estimate for the stage.