Stage 4: "We had a different goal – but you can't always get what you want"

Team manager Ralph Denk talks on the podcast about the fourth stage of the Tour de France, which was once again dominated by the battle against the weather. This time in the spotlight: Jan Tratnik and Nico Denz, who both made it into the breakaway. "Actually, we wanted to get Maxim Van Gils into the group. But he didn't stand a chance. So we actually had a different goal – but you can't always get what you want," says Denk. In the end, Denmark's Mads Pedersen secured the victory. Norway's Torstein Traeen takes over the Yellow Jersey from Tadej Pogačar—with the latter's consent. "As predicted, he wanted to give up the jersey. I am very happy that Torstein Traeen got it," says the team boss. Traeen went through a long period of suffering, having battled cancer during his career. Additionally, there is personnel news. Jai Hindley has officially extended his contract long-term. The 2022 Giro winner will thus remain with the team beyond his fifth season. "He is very important to us from several perspectives. He won the 2022 Giro, which was a milestone for us. He can also ride for us both as a leader and as a domestique," Denk says of the Australian. Finally, the team boss looks ahead to the fifth day of the Tour. At first glance, the route between Lannemezan and Pau does not hold many challenges for the riders. So, is this the first good opportunity for the sprinters? "The teams that fancy their chances will control the peloton tomorrow. Because the sprinters have really had to fight so far," says Denk. Photo: IMAGO / Belga