Michael Matthews glorious once against at the Tour de France after "so many rollercoasters"

It had been five years since Michael Matthews' last victory at the Tour de France, and it came on a day few would've predicted. The Team BikeExchange - Jayco rider is one of the most versatile in the peloton, and today he put his skills to good use on the rolling hills of the Massif Central.

“I think it’s pretty much the story of my career, I’ve had so many rollercoasters up and down but my wife and my daughter kept believing in me," the Australian said after the finish. "How many times I’ve been smashed down, I’ve got back up. This is for my daughter today. She’s four years old, I’m away all the time and I really wanted to show her what I do it for. Today was that day," he said, emotionally.

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On a day that was certain to be disputed between the breakaway riders, Matthews was an outsider figure, who had - as all riders did - a big battle to be able to be in the escapee group after today's furious start. The relentless climbing and soaring heat put many in pain, however now Matthews who benefited from this to balance his expected lack of climbing power against the likes of Thibaut Pinot or Rigoberto Uran who were in the chasing group.

“After yesterday, I think that was a big opportunity missed. Yesterday was a really good stage for me and this three-day block from yesterday through to tomorrow is what our team was aiming for in the second week," he said. Matthews knew he had to anticipate the final climb, and he did so by attacking with 45 kilometers to go and having a four-rider (three after Andreas Kron's puncture) group work perfectly until the base of the final climb where he still had an advantage over the chasing group.

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Matthews held off the competition except for Alberto Bettiol up Mende, however he managed to go solo near the summit for a very important win, both for Matthews and BikeExchange. This was his second win of the season, and one of the most important in his career.

"Today, I just knew that it was probably going to be my last chance. Into Lausanne, it was a good opportunity, and I came off second to Tadej in another stage. I was running out of chances in this Tour de France. I wanted to show everyone that I’m not just a sprinter. I can ride like I rode today," he concluded.

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