Bora-Hansgrohe leader Peter Sagan ended up fifth in the sprint of phase 5 in Châteauroux but, after crashing hard with Caleb Ewan on stage 3 in Pontivy, the Slovakian is satisfied with the result and pleased to still be in the Tour de France and still in the fight for the green jersey.The 160km stage from Tours to Chateauroux was Sagans 50th race day of 2021 after currently riding the Giro dItalia, where he won a stage and the cyclamen-coloured points jersey.He was forced to reboot his pre-season training from no after capturing COVID-19 at an individual training camp in February but still came great in the early season, winning a stage at the Volta a Catalunya and then the Tour de Romandie, even if his minimal Classics project was not a success. Sagan has 72 points however is still in the video game, with plenty of racing and sprinting to come before Paris.” I informed Mørkøv what I thought of what he did and I think he understood,” Sagan stated, never one to mince his words but not one to bear animosities either.He and Cavendish are not best of friends after their crash at the 2017 Tour de France where Sagans elbow flayed outwards in a sprint in Vittel leaving Cavendish with nowhere to go. The Manxman crashed into the barriers, fracturing his shoulder and Sagan was disqualified from the Tour only later to be cleared of misbehavior by the UCI after threats of legal action.Both Sagan and Cavendish remain established in their views on the occurrence, the stress harming any possible relationship, yet there are signs their relationship is enhancing as their mutual respect for their success returns.Sagan sportingly praised Cavendish after his first win in Fougères with a fist pump and is eager to consider the 2017 event part of their sprinting past.

Bora-Hansgrohe leader Peter Sagan finished fifth in the sprint of phase 5 in Châteauroux but, after crashing tough with Caleb Ewan on stage 3 in Pontivy, the Slovakian is pleased with the result and delighted to still remain in the Tour de France and still in the battle for the green jersey.The 160km stage from Tours to Chateauroux was Sagans 50th race day of 2021 after currently riding the Giro dItalia, where he won a stage and the cyclamen-coloured points jersey.He was required to restart his pre-season training from zero after capturing COVID-19 at an individual training school in February but still came good in the early season, winning a phase at the Volta a Catalunya and then the Tour de Romandie, even if his restricted Classics campaign was not a success.” Im still here. I was at the Giro and now Im at the Tour …” Sagan joked to Cyclingnews and La Gazzetta dello Sport after the phase.” I havent won a stage yet however Ive been up there and Im simply happy to still remain in the thick of the action considering what took place on stage 3.” My knee is still triggering me issues however Im feeling better and hope I can be back to 100 percent soon. Im not stressed over reaching Paris or anything, I simply desire to be back to my best.” Sagan is presently seventh in the points category. Mark Cavendish wears the green leaders jersey and has 148 points after his 2nd phase win. Sagan has 72 points however is still in the game, with plenty of racing and sprinting to come before Paris.” Im still in the hunt for the green jersey at the Tour de France,” Sagan explained.” Were only at the 6th phase, even if it feels weve been racing for two weeks. Absolutely nothing is lost in the meantime and weve still got to climb into the mountains.” My biggest rivals for green like Michael Matthews and Sonny Colbrelli are still up there and riding well too, however theyre within reach. Well see what happens after the Alps and on the flat phases in the south next week.” Sagan has actually contested every possible intermediate sprint in pursuit of points. During stage 6 clashed with Cavendishs leadout male Michael Mørkøv in the sprint to the line in Luçay-le-Mâle after 104km but still scored 8 points, one location behind Cavendish.” I told Mørkøv what I considered what he did and I believe he comprehended,” Sagan stated, never one to mince his words but not one to bear animosities either.He and Cavendish are not finest of good friends after their crash at the 2017 Tour de France where Sagans elbow flayed outwards in a sprint in Vittel leaving Cavendish with no place to go. The Manxman crashed into the barriers, fracturing his shoulder and Sagan was disqualified from the Tour just later to be cleared of misbehavior by the UCI after dangers of legal action.Both Sagan and Cavendish stay established in their views on the incident, the tension damaging any possible friendship, yet there are signs their relationship is enhancing as their reciprocal respect for their success returns.Sagan sportingly congratulated Cavendish after his first win in Fougères with a fist pump and is keen to think about the 2017 occurrence part of their sprinting past.” I provided my hand to praise him as I normally do to every winner. Ive got absolutely nothing versus him,” Sagan discussed.” I think what occurred back in 2017 is still on his mind, not mine. Ive proceeded and Im happy for him that hes won.” Ride like Peter Sagan with