Jasper Philipsen keen for 5th stage win at 2023 Tour de France: "Hopefully the riders are tired from the mountains"

Jasper Philipsen has been utterly dominant so far at the 2023 Tour de France as far as the bunch sprints are concerned. Stage 18 marks another possible day for him and the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is keen to take advantage of the tired legs in the peloton.

“Many teams also benefit from a breakaway. It will be borderline," says the 25-year-old Belgian who has so far emerged victorious on stages 3, 4, 7 and 12, in a pre-stage interview prior to the start of the eighteenth day of racing. “Of course, I hope for a sprint scenario. Hopefully, the riders are tired from the mountains of the past few days. I'm tired myself. I think everyone is.”

The remaining sprinters in the peloton are few and far between. Alongside Philipsen remain the likes of Dylan Groenewegen, Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen, Bryan Coquard, Alexander Kristoff, Sam Welsford and Jordi Meeus.

“Although it cannot be compared to Limoges. Here the last 250 meters run up, but you also arrive at a lot of speed," Philipsen concludes, referencing how he feels the finish might suit him. "It is slightly rising, but normally nothing special."