John Degenkolb touches the tears after the stage victory

John Degenkolb (29) was the strongest in the race and secured the victory at the 9th stage of the Tour de France

See the spur in the lead

In the interview with the & # 39; Organizer, the German was clearly touched. . I've been chasing this victory for a long time, and it's very hard to describe what I'm feeling now, said Degenkolb.

The Trek-Segafredo driver won the first career victory on the Tour

– I've been thinking a lot lately. I am happy to dedicate the victory to one of my best friends who left last winter. He was my second father and died in a tragic accident. It was a great loss for me, he said in a cruel tone.

During the winter of 2016, Degenkolb was struck by a car during a training session. He almost lost a finger, was injured in the arm and injured his head.

– Then everyone said that I had finished, but I said no – I have to give it a very big win, "said the German. The Norwegians in the final
Edvald Boasson Hagen and Alexander Kristoff were both well placed in the final round.

– Edvald looks like a king where he sits, said Johan Kaggestad four miles from the scarecrow

] But when he stayed on for 15 kilometers, the trio Greg Van Avermaet, Yves Lampaert and John Degenkolb left the main field.

They quickly had seconds for the rest and it became clear that the victory would stand between them. Neither Boasson Hagen nor Kristoff had the power to follow suit.

John Degenkolb was the strongest and held out for Greg Van Avermaet and Yves Lampaert.

Among the favorites, Greg Van Avermaet was the most impressed. and finished in a second place.

Boasson Hagen finally finishes in 9th place.

– The C & # 39; was a tough race, but I sat well all day, so to speak without problems. I found myself behind some dumbbells, but most of the time I was in front. I am very satisfied with that, "said Edvald Boasson Hagen on TV channel 2.

This was the stage of redevelopment, which had erupted before the launch of the Tour de France. When the excommunicators stuck, he sat too far behind, he explains.

– I did not see them stuck before it was too late. It's hard to do anything on the cobblestones, because you have to run in the field where you are. It's hard to drive, he says.