Alpecin-Premier Tech’s team bosses have urged patience after their sprinter Jasper Philipsen fell short of victory again at the Tour de France on Saturday.
The Belgian, a 10-time stage winner across his seven race starts, placed fourth in Bergerac on day eight, won by Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier. The result followed two fifth places in bunch sprints for Philipsen, on stages five and seven, which left him perplexed by the lack of his usual top speed.