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Philipsen doesn't blame Coquard for heavy crash at Tour de France

Philipsen doesn't blame Coquard for heavy crash at Tour de France

Qatar Tribune15-07-2025
Toulouse: Belgian sprint star Jasper Philipsen said he doesn't blame Bryan Coquard for his heavy crash at the Tour de France. 'It was just a racing incident,' he said during an online news conference on Tuesday. 'I know what it's like to be criticized and labelled the 'bad guy.' In this case, Coquard was singled out, but there was really nothing he could've done differently.' During the third stage, Philipsen crashed at 61 kilometres per hour in an intermediate sprint when he collided with Frenchman Coquard. He suffered a displaced collarbone fracture and at least one broken rib. The 10-time Tour stage winner, who claimed victory on the opening stage in Lille, had briefly worn the yellow jersey but now faces a long road to recovery. 'Given the circumstances, things are moving in the right direction. My wounds have healed, and that shows the body was in top condition - it bounces back faster,' he said. 'Winning the first stage definitely softens the blow - and no one can take the win or that yellow jersey away from me. But I had big ambitions and was in great shape. That's the brutal side of this sport, but it's part of the deal.' The jury of the International Cycling Union (UCI) penalized Coquard for the crash. (DPA)
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