Benjamin Thomas on potential stage victory miss - "I’ve no regrets as a result of I actually gave everything"

The fifteenth stage of the Tour de France concluded on Sunday with Jasper Philipsen's victory. Cofidis rider Benjamin Thomas who finished in 64th position came close to the victory just 400 meters before the finish line.

He knew the track better than anyone else since he was riding in his home region . He took the lead in the final climb along with Alexis Gougeard, holding out till 400 meters to go when he was swept up by the peloton within the streets of Carcassonne. “On the flamme rouge, I closed my eyes and went all out. Sadly, once I noticed the peloton coming behind, all of it got here to nothing. It’s merciless, however, I believed,” said Thomas.

He used his knowledge of the track to his advantage “I knew the finale off by coronary heart: there was a downhill bit, with a headwind, however then it obtained behind you on the finish, so it was good for giving it a go. I didn’t miss it by a lot immediately,” Thomas explained.

Although he did not win the stage, the rider has no regrets since he tried his best. “I do know it’s the Tour de France, and I feel this night, I’ll realize that it wasn’t far off in any respect. However, I’ve no regrets as a result of I actually gave everything.” Thomas concluded. He holds 61st position in the GC, 1 hour and 44 minutes behind overall leader Jonas Vingegaard.