Valence, France, July 19 (QNA) - German sprinter Andre Greipel of the Lotto-Soudal team won Sunday's Stage 15 after a sprint for the line between four riders.
Giant-Alpecin's John Degenkolb was second, with Katusha's Alexander Kristoff third and Peter Sagan of Tinkoff-Saxo finishing fourth. Team Sky's Chris Froome of Britain retains the overall lead after the 183-kilometer (114-mile) eastward trek from Mende to Valence.
Britain’s Mark Cavendish (Etixx – Quick-Step), who had targeted this stage for a win, was dropped early on in the stage on the opening category three climb and was unable to feature in the race as he trailed home in a group around 12 minutes back.
It was the former German champion Greipel though who continued to show his sprinting dominance in this Tour, launching his attack 300m out from the finish after a right hand turn, with his compatriot Degenkolb furiously trying to match his speed, but was unable to overcome him as Greipel took the stage by half-a-bike length.
Monday sees the race head towards Gap, the gateway to the Alps, with another good chance for the break to stay away with two category two climbs coming shortly before the finish on the 201km stage 16; the last before the Tour’s second rest day. (QNA)