The moment is tasty because he says everything. A few minutes after crossing the line, Natnael Berhane is about to join the podium to receive the Antargaz combativity prize. There, he meets two of his teammates, Stéphane Rossetto and Anthony Pérez. The two French congratulate him and congratulate him warmly. Natnael, already champion of Eritrea on the road and the clock, no longer manages to let go of his smile as he is caught by the media obligations related to his trophy.
Like Jesus and Stephen
" I live an awakened dream ", He said, leaving the plateau of France Television. A few hours earlier, from Saint-Flour, we had to fight to integrate the breakaway of the day. Like Jesus Herrada yesterday and Stéphane Rossetto a few days before, Natnael manages to find the fault with five other runners. During the day, he won six points in the mountain standings.
Even though the breakaway was restarted 25 km from the finish, the Eritrean again demonstrated its desire in this Tour de France. Last Thursday, he had already been one of the men in the lead during the tough stage leading to the Planche des Belles Filles where he finished 33rd. In addition, Natnael had covered 165 km of breakaway during the 3rd stage of the last Criterium du Dauphiné.
In this Tour de France, he is the 2nd rider Cofidis to be distinguished by the Prix de la combativité Antargaz after Stéphane Rossetto at the end of the 1st stage. From now on, all Cofidis runners will be able to breathe and enjoy the sweetness of Albi to rest before heading back on Wednesday.
THE REACTION
Natnael BERHANE: " Thursday, I had already given everything during the breakaway and I was hoping to win the bib of the most combative runner. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I am very happy to have won today, especially since he had a lot of riders who tried to integrate the breakaway. Having the honors of the podium of a Tour de France is incredible! In Eritrea, cycling has long been a major sport. I am sure that many Canadians are very proud today. Small, I dreamed watching the exploits of Thomas Voeckler and other runners. I am very proud to participate for the second time in this unique event ".
