"I had the legs, but I was just too far" - Poor positioning does for Fabio Jakobsen in first bunch sprint of the 2023 Tour de France

Finishing fourth, it wasn't the ideal first bunch sprint finish of the 2023 Tour de France for Soudal - Quick-Step's sprinter, Fabio Jakobsen. Nevertheless, there were positive signs for the Dutchman and that's what he's focusing on.

“It’s a pity, as I had the legs, but I was just too far and not in a winning position," the 26-year-old recaps to the official website of the Soudal - Quick-Step team. "I got boxed in a bit on a small uphill and there I lost Michael Morkov’s wheel, so next time I have to fight more for that. He waited for me, but then we got boxed in again and I found myself stuck. We both had the legs, but Michael had nowhere to go out. I tried to find my way, but in the end, I concluded in fourth."

The sprint was eventually won by Alpecin-Deceuninck's quick man, Jasper Philipsen. Following the disappointment, Jakobsen had a critical word for race organisers over the layout over the final few kilometres that included roundabouts and late corners.

"The finish was a bit tricky, it could have been on a straight line instead," he declares. "Anyway, we saw a strong team, which is good, and this is very important for the next days.”