TDF 202TDF 2020 / STAGE 8: GUILLAUME MARTIN DEFENDED HIS 3RD PLACE IN GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

He hung on, attacked and gave it his all.

Guillaume Martin defended with panache his 3rd place in the general classification in the Pyrenees, while constantly remaining in contact with the big favorites for the final victory. Take a look back at a day when the Normand once again showed the full extent of his talent.

 There had been the arrival at Orcières-Moriette and this attack in the last kilometer. For Guillaume Martin, there will now be the 1st stage of the Pyrenees, where he dearly defended his 3rd place overall. Leader Cofidis, supported by Pierre-Luc Périchon and Nicolas Edet until he climbed the Port of Balès, then kept up with the hellish pace imposed by the Jumbo-Visma, then resisted multiple attacks.

 Collective work and a breathtaking finale

  In the last hectometers of the Col de Peyresourde, less than 7 km from the finish, the Norman went on the attack. With panache and self-sacrifice, he forced the favorites to respond. Then, in the last kilometer, another attack, new proof of courage. Until the end, Guillaume Martin dearly defended his coveted 3rd place overall.

 He is 9 seconds behind the yellow jersey, Adam Yates, and is one of only 4 riders in the ‘top 10’ to have retained his place in the overall standings on this eventful day. Guillaume Martin knows, however, that nothing can be taken for granted. The battle begins again tomorrow. Between Pau and Laruns, the road will continue to climb, the passes will follow one another (five on the program) but the determination will always be as strong and intact.

GUILLAUME MARTIN'S HOT REACTION

 "The second part of the race was very intense from the Port of Balès.

Pierre-Luc (Périchon) and Nicolas (Edet) placed me well at the foot and accompanied me part of the climb. In the final ascent. from Peyresourde, very quickly there was a high tempo and it was a question of following and hanging in.

I saw that I had good legs since I was with the first.

 At the end of the climb, I played for everything, attacking two kilometers from the summit to get a few seconds and why not the yellow jersey.

I tried again 1 km from the finish so there is no regrets. I finished with all the favorites and gaps widened behind. It's a great day and a great performance. "