erik zabel etappensiege tour de france

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Tour de France: Zabel wins Stage 1

The story of stage 1 of this year’s tour de france seems typical enough for an opening road stage: a slow early pace; a long, eventually unsuccessful breakaway; a mass field sprint; and a stage win by one of the star sprinters of the tour, telekom’s erik zabel. routine enough, but the 194.5km stage from saint-omer to boulogne-sur-mer in the very north of france was anything but an ordinary, flat, sprinters stage. the stage began in the town of saint-omer, about 50km inland from the north sea. under gray skies and a light drizzle, 188 starters rolled out of town. lotto-adecco’s fabian de.

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Photo: Graham Watson

The story of Stage 1 of this year’s Tour de France seems typical enough for an opening road stage: a slow early pace; a long, eventually unsuccessful breakaway; a mass field sprint; and a stage win by one of the star sprinters of the Tour, Telekom’s Erik Zabel.

Routine enough, but the 194.5km stage from Saint-Omer to Boulogne-sur-Mer in the very north of France was anything but an ordinary, flat, sprinters stage.

The stage began in the town of Saint-Omer, about 50km inland from the North Sea. Under gray skies and a light drizzle, 188 starters rolled out of town. Lotto-Adecco’s Fabian De Waele was the only non-starter, victim of a hairline fracture of his right hip, suffered during a crash in Saturday’s prologue in Dunkirk.

As the race headed south, beginning a clockwise route that would wind back toward the sea, it passed not through French countryside, but rather a steady progression of small towns, all dressed up for the Tour. The first Sunday of the Tour is always a huge crowd attraction, but with the race passing through so many towns and villages, the number of spectators swelled to even more than normal.

Along with the crowds, though, the route also meant a steady progression of tight, narrow passages into and out of town centers, making for a very nervous opener. Add in an undulating road, with a few tough hills thrown in, and it seemed like a recipe for the unexpected.

The popular Frenchman went on the type of attack that he’s known for — early and long. With heavy cross- and head winds, the early pace was slower than any projected schedule, a very modest 37.8km covered in the first hour. The second hour was even slower, covering just more than 34km. In other words, a perfect time for Durand to attack at the 55km mark.

With the peloton not reacting at all, Durand was joined by Christophe Oriol (Jean Delatour), and their lead quickly exploded to nine minutes within the next 30km.

About the only thing that could stop them was a train crossing that held them up for about three minutes, but race officials held the peloton up for the same time, leaving the two escapees free for a little longer.

While Durand and Oriol’s escape was doomed to fail, the one thing it did do was slow Ag2R’s Jaan Kirsipuu’s assault on Christophe Moreau’s yellow leader’s jersey. With three intermediate sprints offering time bonuses to the winner, the Estonian’s plan was to slowly erase the 15-second deficit he had at the beginning of the day, and he got off to a good start by winning the first bonus sprint. However, with the two escapees sweeping away most of the bonus time at the second and third sprints, Kirsipuu would have to be content with moving up to fourth place, seven seconds behind Moreau, who held onto the yellow jersey for another day.

The two leaders were finally caught with 15km to go, just as the race crested a hill that brought them within sight of the sea. From there, it was a nervous run-in, particularly with a series of narrow roads and traffic islands on the way through the town of Wimeraux and into Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

“It was slow at the beginning of the race,” said U.S. Postal’s Tyler Hamilton, “but everybody knew it was going to be a crazy finish. [The organizers] didn’t learn their lesson from the last two years; there were roundabouts galore in the final 2K. It was dangerous.”

One victim on the day was Crédit Agricole’s Jonathan Vaughters, who slipped his chain going up a hill, couldn’t recover quickly enough, and suddenly found himself caught back in a group that would lose more than five minutes on the day.

Credit Agricole suffered yet another casualty when young Australian Brad McGee, following a brief attack, crashed after tangling with Marco Serpellini (Lampre-Daikin) and finished almost three minutes off the pace.

“Unfortunately a guy just hit my front wheel and I had nowhere to go,” he said.

Part of the problem was no big team controlling the peloton as it headed into the final sprint, a fast, downhill drop-in after a big roundabout with about a kilometer to go.

After a last-ditch attack by Jean Delatour’s Laurent Brochard, the sprinters all massed at the front, but they were all just looking at each other, no team taking charge. Finally, Domo-Farm Frites Romans Vainsteins and Zabel began to wind it out on their own, and it was the German taking the win, with Vainsteins second and Française des Jeux’s Jimmy Casper third.

Zabel, who was irritated at the at the absence of leadout man Gianmatteo Fagnini when the Telekom team was selected, was nonetheless grateful for his team’s work in setting him up, although in the end, he was alone into the headwind for the finale.

“[Steffen] Wesemann and [Alexandre] Vinokourov helped me out a lot in the final kilometer,” said Zabel.

The German collected his ninth career Tour stage win, and also took over the green points leader’s jersey, which he has won five times in his career. He knows, however, that it’s a long way to Paris. “It took more than 300 points to win the jersey last year. I’ve only got 35 right now,” he said.

Zabel took the win on a day when it may not have been expected, but he’ll like his chances of making it two straight on Monday, when the racers face a flat, 218.5km day from Calais to Antwerp, Belgium. It will truly be a day for the sprinters, even though in the end, so was Stage 1 to Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

Photo Gallery

1. Zabel, Erik(G),Deutsche Telekom, 4:55:15; 2. Vainsteins Romans(LAT),Domo-Farm Frites; 3. Casper Jimmy(F),Française Des Jeux; 4. Hushovd Thor(N),Credit Agricole; 5. Kirsipuu Jaan (EST), Ag2R; 6. Nazon Damien(F),Bonjour; 7. DE JONGH Steven(NL),Rabobank; 8. Capelle Christophe(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 9. Teutenberg Sven(G),Festina; 10. Mattan Nico(B),Cofidis; 11. Ivanov Serguei(RUS),Fassa Bortolo; 12. Svorada JanSLOLampre-Daikin; 13. Blijlevens Jeroen(NL),Lotto-Adecco; 14. O’grady Stuart(AUS),Credit Agricole; 15. Etxebarria David(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 16. Mikhailov Guennadi(RUS),Lotto-Adecco; 17. Petacchi Alessandro(I),Fassa Bortolo; 18. Bettini Paolo(I),MAP; 19. Lotz Marc(NL),Rabobank; 20. Sivakov Alexei(RUS),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 21. Julich Bobby(USA),Credit Agricole; 22. Ullrich Jan(G),Deutsche Telekom, ; 23. Simon François(F),Bonjour; 24. Capelle Ludovic(B),Ag2R; 25. Blaudzun Michaël(DK),CSC-Tiscali; 26. Mengin Christophe(F),Française Des Jeux, ; 27. Boogerd Michaël(NL),Rabobank; 28. Gonzalez Aitor(SP),Kelme; 29. Aerts Mario(B),Lotto-Adecco; 30. Wadecki Piotr (Pol), Domo-Farm Frites; 31. Moreau Christophe(F),Festina; 32. Hinault Sébastien(F),Credit Agricole; 33. Bartoli Michele(I),Mapei; 34. Perraudeau Olivier(F),Bonjour; 35. Lelli Massimiliano(I),Cofidis; 36. Pascual Llorente Javier(SP),Kelme; 37. Garzelli Stefano(I),Mapei; 38. Roux Laurent(F),Jean Delatour; 39. Belli Wladimir(I),Fassa Bortolo; 40. Gutierrez Ivan(SP),ONCE; 41. Castresana Angel(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 42. Agnolutto Christophe(F),Ag2R; 43. Beneteau Walter(F),Bonjour; 44. Gutierrez José Enrique(SP),Kelme; 45. Jaksche Jorg(G),ONCE; 46. RENIER Franck(F),Bonjour; 47. Heppner Jens(G),Deutsche Telekom, ; 48. LODA Nicola(I),Fassa Bortolo; 49. Armstrong Lance(USA),U.S. Postal, ; 50. Hincapie George(USA),U.S. Postal, ; 51. Botero Santiago(COL),Kelme; 52. Kloden, Andréas(G),Deutsche Telekom, ; 53. Turpin Ludovic(F),Ag2R; 54. Milesi Marco(I),Domo-Farm Frites; 55. Hamilton Tyler(USA),U.S. Postal, ; 56. Van Hyfte Paul(B),Lotto-Adecco; 57. Gonzalez Galdeano Igor(SP),ONCE; 58. Rous Didier(F),Bonjour; 59. Wesemann Steffen(G),Deutsche Telekom, ; 60. Pena Victor Hugo(COL),U.S. Postal, ; 61. Trentin Guido(I),Cofidis; 62. Cassani Enrico(I),Domo-Farm Frites; 63. Heras Roberto(SP),U.S. Postal, ; 64. Verheyen Geert(B),Rabobank; 65. Rinero Christophe(F),Cofidis; 66. Magnien Emmanuel(F),Française Des Jeux, ; 67. Brochard Laurent(F),Jean Delatour; 68. Kivilev AndreiKAZCofidis; 69. Knaven Servais(NL),Domo-Farm Frites; 70. Niermann Grischa(G),Rabobank; 71. Vinokourov AlexandreKAZDeutsche Telekom, ; 72. Sevilla Oscar(SP),Kelme; 73. Chaurreau Inigo(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 74. Garcia-Acosta Vicente(SP),iBanesto. com; 75. Beloki Joseba(SP),ONCE; 76. De Groot Bram(NL),Rabobank; 77. Bolts Udo(G),Deutsche Telekom, ; 78. Odriozola Jon(SP),iBanesto. com; 79. Etxebarria UnaiVenEuskatel-Euskadi; 80. Zanini Stefano(I),Mapei; 81. Jimenez Eladio(SP),iBanesto. com; 82. Mancebo Francisco(SP),iBanesto. com; 83. Baldato Fabio(I),Fassa Bortolo; 84. Casero Angel(SP),Festina; 85. Trastour Olivier(F),Jean Delatour; 86. Bouvard Gilles(F),Jean Delatour; 87. Tosatto Matteo(I),Fassa Bortolo; 88. Verbrugghe Rik(B),Lotto-Adecco; 89. Garcia Casas Félix(SP),Festina; 90. Robin Jean-Cyril(F),Bonjour; 91. Merckx Axel(B),Domo-Farm Frites; 92. Verstrepen Johan(B),Lampre-Daikin; 93. Pradera Mikel(SP),ONCE; 94. Museeuw Johan(B),Domo-Farm Frites; 95. Demarbaix Sébastien(B),Ag2R; 96. Sastre Carlos(SP),ONCE; 97. Heulot Stéphane(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 98. Brozyna ThomaszPOLiBanesto. com; 99. Basso Ivan(I),Fassa Bortolo; 100. Jenner Christopher(NZ),Credit Agricole; 101. Bramati Davide(I),Mapei; 102. Bessy Frédéric(F),Credit Agricole; 103. Moncoutie David(F),Cofidis; 104. Casagrande Francesco(I),Fassa Bortolo; 105. Van De Wouwer Kurt(B),Lotto-Adecco; 106. Baguet Serge(B),Lotto-Adecco; 107. Guesdon Frédéric(F),Française Des Jeux, ; 108. Den Bakker Maarten(NL),Rabobank; 109. Pascual Rodriguez Javier(SP),iBanesto. com; 110. Livingston Kevin(USA),Deutsche Telekom, ; 111. Cerezo Francisco(SP),CSC-Tiscali; 112. Brard Florent(F),Festina; 113. Gonzalez Galdeano Alvaro(SP),ONCE; 114. Serrano Marcos(SP),ONCE; 115Gonzalez Santos(SP),ONCE; 116Halgand Patrice(F),Jean Delatour; 117. Vandevelde Christian(USA),U.S. Postal, ; 118. Ekimov Vjatceslav(RUS),U.S. Postal, ; 119. Voigt Jens(G),Credit Agricole; 120. Piil Jakob(DK),CSC-Tiscali; 121. Vidal José Angel(SP),Kelme; 122. Zubeldia Haimar(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 123. Pozzi Oscar(I),Fassa Bortolo; 124. Lino Pascal(F),Festina; 125. Wauters Marc(B),Rabobank; 126. Morin Anthony(F),Credit Agricole; 127. Kjaergaard Steffen(N),U.S. Postal, ; 128. Salmon Benoit(F),Ag2R; 129. Auger Guillaume(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 130. Oriol Christophe(F),Jean Delatour; 131. Pretot Arnaud(F),Festina; 132. Cuesta Inigo(SP),Cofidis; 133. Jalabert Laurent(F),CSC-Tiscali; 134. Lamouller Loïc(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 135. Bouyer Franck(F),Bonjour; 136. Talabardon Sébastien(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 137. Del Olmo Txema(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 138. Schnider Daniel(SWI),Française Des Jeux, ; 139. Gouvenou Thierry(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 140. Vogondy Nicolas(F),Française Des Jeux, ; 141. MONTGOMERY Sven(SWI),Française Des Jeux, ; 142. Perez Luis(SP),Festina; 143. Blanco Santiago(SP),iBanesto. com; 144. Botcharov Alexandre(RUS),Ag2R; 145. Goubert Stephane(F),Jean Delatour; 146. Seigneur Eddy(F),Jean Delatour; 147. Atienza Daniel(SP),Cofidis; 148. Hunter RobertRSALampre-Daikin; 149. Sorensen Nicki(DK),CSC-Tiscali; 150. Cardenas Félix(COL),Kelme; 151. Jan Xavier(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 152. Lopez De Munain Alberto(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 153. Laiseka Roberto(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 154. Piepoli Leonardo(I),iBanesto. com; 155. Larsen Nicolay Bo(DK),CSC-Tiscali; 156. Desbiens Laurent(F),Kelme; 157. Fornaciari Paolo(I),Mapei; 158. Durand Jacky(F),Française Des Jeux, ; 159. Chavanel Sylvain(F),Bonjour; 160. Auger, Ludovic(F),Big Mat-Aubers 93; 161. Jalabert Nicolas(F),CSC-Tiscali,all s.t.; 162. Frutti Matteo(I),Lampre-Daikin, at 0:36; 163. Mc Gee Bradley(AUS),Française Des Jeux, at 2:53; 164. Serpellini Marco(I),Lampre-Daikin, at 3:25; 165. Pinotti Marco(I),Lampre-Daikin,at 5:45; 166. Millar David (GBR), Cofidis; 167. Belohvosciks Raivis(LAT),Lampre-Daikin; 168. Steels Tom(B),Mapei; 169. Sorensen Rolf(DK),CSC-Tiscali; 170. Tauler Antonio(SP),Kelme; 171. Guerini Giuseppe(I),Deutsche Telekom, ; 172. Bertogliati Rubens(SWI),Lampre-Daikin; 173. Vaughters Jonathan(USA),Credit Agricole; 174. Vermaut Steve(B),Lotto-Adecco; 175. Menchov Denis(RUS),iBanesto. com; 176. Rubiera José Luis(SP),U.S. Postal, ; 177. Garcia Marcelino(SP),CSC-Tiscali; 178. Chanteur Pascal(F),Festina; 179. Rodriguez Fred(USA),Domo-Farm Frites; 180. Leysen Bart(B),Mapei; 181. Berges Stéphane(F),Ag2R; 182. Maignan Gilles(F),Ag2R; 183. Van Heeswijk Max(NL),Domo-Farm Frites; 184. Dekker Erik(NL),Rabobank; 185. Dierckxsens Ludo(B),Lampre-Daikin; 186. Flores Iker(SP),Euskatel-Euskadi; 187. Bernard Jérome(F),Jean Delatour,all s.t.; 188. Nardello Daniele(I),Mapei, 12:12; De Waele Fabien(B),LOT DNS

Overall, after 1 stage

1. MOREAU Christophe(F), FES, 5: 04: 35; 2. GONZALEZ GALDEANO Igor(Sp), ONC, at 0:03; 3. ARMSTRONG Lance(USA), USP, at 0:04; 4. KIRSIPUU Jaan(Est), A2R, at 0:07; 5. ULLRICH Jan(G), TEL, at 0:07; 6. BRARD Florent(F), FES, at 0:07; 7. BOTERO Santiago(Col), KEL, at 0:10; 8. O’GRADY Stuart(Aus), C.A, at 0:11; 9. DURAND Jacky(F), FDJ, at 0:13; 10. BELOKI Joseba(Sp), ONC, at 0:13; 11. SASTRE Carlos(Sp), ONC, at 0:14; 12. WAUTERS Marc(B),RAB, at 0:15; 13. GUTIERREZ José Enrique(Sp), KEL, at 0:16; 14. ROUS Didier(F), BJR, at 0:16; 15. BROCHARD Laurent(F), DEL, at 0:16; 16. CASERO Angel(Sp), FES, at 0:16; 17. KJAERGAARD Steffen(Nor), USP, at 0:16; 18. HUSHOVD Thor(Nor), C.A, at 0:17; 19. EKIMOV Vjatceslav(Rus), USP, at 0:17; 20. GONZALEZ Santos(Sp), ONC, at 0:17; 21. JAKSCHE Jorg(G), ONC, at 0:18; 22. HINCAPIE George(USA), USP, at 0:19; 23. KLODEN Andréas(G), TEL, at 0:19; 24. PENA Victor Hugo(Col), USP, at 0:21; 25. BARTOLI Michele(I), MAP, at 0:22; 26. BROZYNA Thomasz(Pol), BAN, at 0:22; 27. JALABERT Laurent(F), CST, at 0:22; 28. VERBRUGGHE Rik(B),LOT, at 0:23; 29. GONZALEZ Aitor(Sp), KEL, at 0:23; 30. VAINSTEINS Romans(Lat), DFF, at 0:24; 31. KNAVEN Servais(Nl), DFF, at 0:24; 32. TOSATTO Matteo(I), FAS, at 0:25; 33. MATTAN Nico(B),COF, at 0:25; 34. SEIGNEUR Eddy(F), DEL, at 0:25; 35. HEULOT Stéphane(F), BIG, at 0:25; 36. VOIGT Jens(G), C.A, at 0:26; 37. GUTIERREZ Ivan(Sp), ONC, at 0:26; 38. JULICH Bobby(USA), C.A, at 0:26; 39. ZABEL Erik(G), TEL, at 0:26; 40. PASCUAL LLORENTE Javier(Sp), KEL, at 0:26; 41. HAMILTON Tyler(USA), USP, at 0:26; 42. ORIOL Christophe(F), DEL, at 0:26; 43. GONZALEZ GALDEANO Alvaro(Sp), ONC, at 0:26; 44. MORIN Anthony(F), C.A, at 0:27; 45. NIERMANN Grischa(G), RAB, at 0:27; 46. HALGAND Patrice(F), DEL, at 0:27; 47. DE GROOT Bram(Nl), RAB, at 0:28; 48. SIVAKOV Alexei(Rus), BIG, at 0:29; 49. SERRANO Marcos(Sp), ONC, at 0:29; 50. VOGONDY Nicolas(F), FDJ, at 0:29; 51. CHAVANEL Sylvain(F), BJR, at 0:30; 52. CUESTA Inigo(Sp), COF, at 0:30; 53. PASCUAL RODRIGUEZ Javier(Sp), BAN, at 0:30; 54. LELLI Massimiliano(I), COF, at 0:31; 55. VANDEVELDE Christian(USA), USP, at 0:31; 56. GARZELLI Stefano(I), MAP, at 0:31; 57. MANCEBO Francisco(Sp), BAN, at 0:32; 58. ETXEBARRIA Unai(Ven), EUS, at 0:32; 59. VINOKOUROV Alexandre(VKaz), TEL, at 0:32; 60. HUNTER Robert(RSA), LAM, at 0:32; 61. CAPELLE Christophe(F), BIG, at 0:32; 62. PEREZ Luis(Sp), FES, at 0:33; 63. JALABERT Nicolas(F), CST, at 0:33; 64. IVANOV Serguei(Rus), FAS, at 0:33; 65. AGNOLUTTO Christophe(F), A2R, at 0:34; 66. ODRIOZOLA Jon(Sp), BAN, at 0:34; 67. JENNER ChristopherNZLC.A, at 0:35; 68. WESEMANN Steffen(G), TEL, at 0:35; 69. BELLI Wladimir(I), FAS, at 0:36; 70. BOUYER Franck(F), BJR, at 0:36; 71. KIVILEV Andrei(VKaz), COF, at 0:36; 72. MAGNIEN Emmanuel(F), FDJ, at 0:37; 73. GARCIA CASAS Félix(Sp), FES, at 0:37; 74. TRENTIN Guido(I), COF, at 0:37; 75. BOOGERD Michaël(Nl), RAB, at 0:37; 76. PETACCHI Alessandro(I), FAS, at 0:37; 77. AERTS Mario(B),LOT, at 0:38; 78. SEVILLA Oscar(Sp), KEL, at 0:38; 79. SCHNIDER Daniel(Swi), FDJ, at 0:39; 80. BLAUDZUN Michaël(Dk), CST, at 0:39; 81. MONCOUTIE David(F), COF, at 0:39; 82. PIIL Jakob(Dk), CST, at 0:39; 83. BOUVARD Gilles(F), DEL, at 0:39; 84. PRADERA Mikel(Sp), ONC, at 0:39; 85. ZUBELDIA Haimar(Sp), EUS, at 0:40; 86. VAN DE WOUWER Kurt(B),LOT, at 0:40; 87. VERHEYEN Geert(B),RAB, at 0:40; 88. TEUTENBERG Sven(G), FES, at 0:40; 89. WADECKI Piotr(Pol), DFF, at 0:40; 90. MIKHAILOV Guennadi(Rus), LOT, at 0:40; 91. DEN BAKKER Maarten(Nl), RAB, at 0:40; 92. ZANINI Stefano(I), MAP, at 0:40; 93. BETTINI Paolo(I), MAP, at 0:41; 94. BALDATO Fabio(I), FAS, at 0:41; 95. LINO Pascal(F), FES, at 0:42; 96. SALMON Benoit(F), A2R, at 0:42; 97. DE JONGH Steven(Nl), RAB, at 0:42; 98. CASSANI Enrico(I), DFF, at 0:43; 99. MONTGOMERY Sven(Swi), FDJ, at 0:43; 100. BENETEAU Walter(F), BJR, at 0:43; 101. LAISEKA Roberto(Sp), EUS, at 0:44; 102. VAN HYFTE Paul(B),LOT, at 0:44; 103. HEPPNER Jens(G), TEL, at 0:44; 104. GARCIA-ACOSTA Vicente(Sp), BAN, at 0:44; 105. CASAGRANDE Francesco(I), FAS, at 0:45; 106. HERAS Roberto(Sp), USP, at 0:45; 107. LOTZ Marc(Nl), RAB, at 0:46; 108. MENGIN Christophe(F), FDJ, at 0:46; 109. RENIER Franck(F), BJR, at 0:46; 110. BLANCO Santiago(Sp), BAN, at 0:46; 111. SORENSEN Nicki(Dk), CST, at 0:46; 112. GOUVENOU Thierry(F), BIG, at 0:47; 113. CARDENAS Félix(Col), KEL, at 0:48; 114. VIDAL José Angel(Sp), KEL, at 0:48; 115. JIMENEZ Eladio(Sp), BAN, at 0:48; 116. MUSEEUW Johan(B),DFF, at 0:48; 117. TALABARDON Sébastien(F), BIG, at 0:49; 118. CASPER Jimmy(F), FDJ, at 0:49; 119. PRETOT Arnaud(F), FES, at 0:49; 120. HINAULT Sébastien(F), C.A, at 0:49; 121. SVORADA JanSLOLAM, at 0:49; 122. ROBIN Jean-Cyril(F), BJR, at 0:50; 123. ETXEBARRIA David(Sp), EUS, at 0:50; 124. LIVINGSTON Kevin(USA), TEL, at 0:50; 125. RINERO Christophe(F), COF, at 0:50; 126. BOTCHAROV Alexandre(Rus), A2R, at 0:51; 127. LOPEZ DE MUNAIN Alberto(Sp), EUS, at 0:51; 128. GUESDON Frédéric(F), FDJ, at 0:51; 129. BAGUET Serge(B),LOT, at 0:51; 130. MERCKX Axel(B),DFF, at 0:51; 131. CHAURREAU Inigo(Sp), EUS, at 0:52; 132. SIMON François(F), BJR, at 0:52; 133. BOLTS Udo(G), TEL, at 0:53; 134. CASTRESANA Angel(Sp), EUS, at 0:53; 135. BASSO Ivan(I), FAS, at 0:53; 136. MILESI Marco(I), DFF, at 0:54; 137. DEL OLMO Txema(Sp), EUS, at 0:54; 138. ROUX Laurent(F), DEL, at 0:54; 139. VERSTREPEN Johan(B),LAM, at 0:56; 140. GOUBERT Stephane(F), DEL, at 0:57; 141. FORNACIARI Paolo(I), MAP, at 0:57; 142. DEMARBAIX Sébastien(B),A2R, at 0:57; 143. TURPIN Ludovic(F), A2R, at 0:57; 144. TRASTOUR Olivier(F), DEL, at 0:57; 145. LARSEN Nicolay Bo(Dk), CST, at 0:57; 146. ATIENZA Daniel(Sp), COF, at 0:58; 147. DESBIENS Laurent(F), KEL, at 0:58; 148. AUGER Ludovic(F), BIG, at 0:58; 149. LAMOULLER Loïc(F), BIG, at 01:01; 150. CAPELLE Ludovic(B),A2R, at 01:02; 151. JAN Xavier(F), BIG, at 01:02; 152. POZZI Oscar(I), FAS, at 01:02; 153. LODA Nicola(I), FAS, at 01:02; 154. BESSY Frédéric(F), C.A, at 01:03; 155. CEREZO Francisco(Sp), CST, at 01:03; 156. BRAMATI Davide(I), MAP, at 01:06; 157. NAZON Damien(F), BJR, at 01:09; 158. PIEPOLI Leonardo(I), BAN, at 01:12; 159. PERRAUDEAU Olivier(F), BJR, at 01:17; 160. AUGER Guillaume(F), BIG, at 01:18; 161. BLIJLEVENS Jeroen(Nl), LOT, at 01:31; 162. FRUTTI Matteo(I), LAM, at 01:37; 163. MC GEE Bradley(Aus), FDJ, at 03:08; 164. SERPELLINI Marco(I), LAM, at 04:16; 165. TAULER Antonio(Sp), KEL, at 05:59; 166. BERTOGLIATI Rubens(Swi), LAM, at 06:09; 167. PINOTTI Marco(I), LAM, at 06:09; 168. VAUGHTERS Jonathan(USA), C.A, at 06:09; 169. BERGES Stéphane(F), A2R, at 06:11; 170. BELOHVOSCIKS Raivis(Lat), LAM, at 06:13; 171. DIERCKXSENS Ludo(B),LAM, at 06:13; 172. MAIGNAN Gilles(F), A2R, at 06:17; 173. DEKKER Erik(Nl), RAB, at 06:17; 174. VAN HEESWIJK Max(Nl), DFF, at 06:24; 175. CHANTEUR Pascal(F), FES, at 06:25; 176. RODRIGUEZ Fred(USA), DFF, at 06:27; 177. MILLAR David(GB), COF, at 06:27; 178. SORENSEN Rolf(Dk), CST, at 06:27; 179. RUBIERA José Luis(Sp), USP, at 06:31; 180. BERNARD Jérome(F), DEL, at 06:31; 181. FLORES Iker(Sp), EUS, at 06:33; 182. STEELS Tom(B),MAP, at 06:36; 183. MENCHOV Denis(Rus), BAN, at 06:37; 184. GUERINI Giuseppe(I), TEL, at 06:43; 185. VERMAUT Steve(B),LOT, at 06:44; 186. GARCIA Marcelino(Sp), CST, at 06:47; 187. LEYSEN Bart(B),MAP, at 06:58; 188. NARDELLO Daniele(I), MAP, at 12:36;

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Cycling news: 24 years ago today: Erik Zabel celebrates twice

Filed Under: cycling news , road cycling , Tour de France Tagged With: Eric Zabel , News , cycling history , Tour de France , Tour de France history

July 7, 2019 by Michael Behringer Leave a Comment

Tour de France history: July 7th is Erik Zabel's day every year. But 24 years ago, the East Berliner not only celebrated his birthday, but also his first stage win in the Tour de France.

Erik Zabel's perfect birthday

All the best, Eric Zabel! Today the former German sprinter is celebrating his 49th birthday. Exactly 24 years ago he won his first stage in the Tour de France. The peloton drove from Dunkirk to Belgium on the sixth stage Charleroi. After 202,0 kilometers he sat ahead of the Frenchman in a mass sprint Laurent Jalabert and the Uzbek Djamolidine Abdoujaparov through. Previously, Sprint Ace won Mario Cipollini already two parts. The general classification of the 1995 Tour de France should end up for the last time Miguel Indurain decide for yourself. Erik Zabel didn't manage another stage win this year, but a few more were to follow in the course of his career.

12 stage wins & 6x green jersey

Without a doubt, Erik Zabel is considered one of the best sprinters of the 90s. This is underlined by his results at the Tour de France. He won from 1996 to 2001 the green jersey six times the best sprinter. Only Peter Sagan won the points classification as often. The Slovakian could become the sole record holder with his seventh success this year. In contrast to his main competitor Mario Cipollini, Erik Zabel usually finished the Tour de France. He was allowed to cheer about the total twelve stage wins. He was the German record holder for many years. This was only broken in 2017 by Marcel Kittel. We should also not hide victories in important one-day races in his palmarès: 4x Milan-Sanremo, 3x Paris-Tours, 1x Amstel Gold Race - to name just a few. His career is only marred by his doping past, which he confessed to in 2013. Today he works for the Katusha – Alpecin team. His son Rick Zabel also drives there.

About Michael Behringer

Cycling with all its tactics, stage analyses, placements and forecasts are Michael Behringer's great passion. In 1996 he tracked his first Tour de France. Since then he has observed almost every race. His passion for cycling has been with him for over two decades. There is no end in sight.

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Radsport News: Heute vor 24 Jahren: Erik Zabel feiert gleich doppelt

Filed Under: Radsport News , Straßenradsport , Tour de France Tagged With: Erik Zabel , News , Radsport Geschichte , Tour de France , Tour de France Geschichte

7. Juli 2019 by Michael Behringer Leave a Comment

Tour de France Geschichte: Der 7. Juli ist jedes Jahr der Tag von Erik Zabel. Doch vor 24 Jahren feierte der Ost-Berliner nicht nur seinen Geburtstag, sondern auch seinen ersten Etappensieg bei der Tour de France.

Der perfekte Geburtstag von Erik Zabel

Alles Gute, Erik Zabel! Heute feiert der ehemalige deutsche Sprinter seinen 49. Geburtstag. Genau vor 24 Jahren gewann er seine erste Etappe bei der Tour de France. Von Dünkirchen fuhr das Peloton auf der sechsten Etappe ins belgische Charleroi. Nach 202,0 Kilometern setzte er sich im Massensprint vor dem Franzosen Laurent Jalabert und dem Usbeken Djamolidine Abdoujaparov durch. Zuvor gewann Sprint-Ass Mario Cipollini bereits zwei Teilstücke. Die Gesamtwertung der Tour de France 1995 sollte am Ende zum letzten Mal Miguel Indurain für sich entscheiden. Erik Zabel gelang in diesem Jahr kein weiterer Etappensieg, doch im Laufe seiner Karriere sollten noch einige folgen.

12 Etappensiege & 6x Grünes Trikot

Zweifelsohne gilt Erik Zabel als einer der besten Sprinter der 90er Jahre. Dies unterstreichen unter anderem seine Resultate bei der Tour de France. Von 1996 bis 2001 gewann er sechsmal das Grüne Trikot des besten Sprinters. Gleichoft gewann die Punktewertung nur Peter Sagan. Der Slowake könnte mit seinem siebten Erfolg in diesem Jahr alleiniger Rekordhalter werden. Im Gegensatz zu Hauptkonkurrent Mario Cipollini fuhr Erik Zabel die Tour de France für gewöhnlich zu Ende. Jubeln durfte er dabei über insgesamt zwölf Etappensiege. Damit war er für viele Jahre hinweg der deutsche Rekordhalter. Gebrochen wurde dieser erst im Jahr 2017 von Marcel Kittel. Auch Siege bei bedeutenden Eintagesrennen sollten wir in seinem Palmarès nicht verschweigen: 4x Mailand–Sanremo, 3x Paris-Tours, 1x Amstel Gold Race – um nur einige zu nennen. Getrübt wird die Karriere nur durch seine Dopingvergangenheit, welche er 2013 gestanden hat. Heute arbeitet er für das Team Katusha – Alpecin. Dort fährt auch sein Sohn Rick Zabel.

About Michael Behringer

Radsport mit all seinen Taktiken, Etappenanalysen, Platzierungen und Prognosen sind die große Leidenschaft von Michael Behringer. Im Jahr 1996 hat er seine erste Tour de France verfolgt. Seitdem beobachtet er nahezu jedes Rennen. Seine Passion Radsport begleitet ihn also seit über zwei Jahrzehnten. Ein Ende ist nicht in Sicht.

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The Football Educator

Erik Zabel: A Cycling Legend and Tour de France Champion

Erik Zabel’s legendary sprints captivated cycling fans for over a decade. His extraordinary career boasts record-breaking achievements and dramatic Tour de France moments that still spark conversations today. They’ll dive into the life of one of cycling’s most celebrated figures, exploring his rise to the pinnacle of the sport.

From his early days on the bike to dominating the green jersey competition, Zabel’s story is one of relentless determination and skill. They’ll uncover what set him apart from his contemporaries and how he etched his name into the history books. Whether you’re a seasoned cycling enthusiast or new to the sport, Zabel’s journey is sure to inspire and intrigue.

Table of Contents

Early Days on the Bike

Erik Zabel’s journey in cycling began at a young age in East Berlin where he was drawn to the speed and competition of the sport. His passion for cycling was apparent from these early stages, as he spent countless hours training and perfecting his technique. Despite the limited resources available at the time, Zabel’s dedication proved that he had the makings of a cycling prodigy.

From the outset, he displayed a natural talent for endurance and sprinting, two crucial components of professional cycling. He honed these skills in the competitive environment of local races, gradually building a reputation for his agility and strength on the bike.

Joining the Ranks of the Elite

Zabel’s transition from enthusiast to professional athlete was marked by his entry into the DDR-Oberliga, East Germany’s premier cycling league. Here, he competed against seasoned cyclists, a challenge that spurred further growth and sharpened his competitive edge. The experience gained in these races laid the groundwork for his future successes on the international stage.

Making a Mark: National Recognition

Zabel’s performance at the national level did not go unnoticed. He swiftly ascended through the ranks, achieving significant milestones and collecting accolades that signaled his potential for international stardom. His ability to consistently perform under pressure made him a valuable asset, and it was clear that his career was on an upward trajectory.

Erik Zabel’s early days on the bike were characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and improvement. His progression from a local enthusiast to a nationally recognized athlete was a testament to his potential. These formative years were instrumental in shaping the cyclist who would later dominate the Tour de France’s green jersey competition and leave an indelible mark on the sport.

Rising to the Pinnacle of the Sport

As Erik Zabel’s exploits in the DDR-Oberliga drew attention, he didn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he intensified his training, knowing that to excel at the international level, he’d have to outperform the very best. His commitment paid off when he turned professional with Team Telekom in 1993. This marked a significant pivot in his career, positioning him on a path that would see him rise to the top echelons of cycling.

Erik’s early professional years were characterized by both grit and growth. With each race, he absorbed new tactics and refined his technique, quickly becoming a formidable force in sprint finishes. His breakthrough came in 1996, when he secured his first Tour de France green jersey , an achievement that underscored his arrival among cycling’s elite sprinters.

The success didn’t stop there. Zabel’s reputation for consistency and resilience grew with each competition. From 1996 to 2001, he maintained an extraordinary streak, winning the green jersey at the Tour de France for six consecutive years . This record not only highlighted his dominance in points classification but also his remarkable durability in a sport where many succumb to the pressures of intense competition and grueling schedules.

Key to Erik’s sustained success was his ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving dynamics of professional cycling. He embraced innovations in training methodologies and equipment, always seeking that marginal gain that could make the difference between victory and defeat.

• Milan–San Remo wins (4 times)
• Paris–Tours victories
• Numerous stage wins in Grand Tours

His unwavering spirit and tactical acumen made him a beloved figure among fans and a respected adversary among peers. The journey from a passionate youngster racing on the streets of East Berlin to a decorated professional reflects a career defined by ambition, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Zabel’s story resonates with aspiring cyclists worldwide, epitomizing the belief that talent, when coupled with determination, can achieve greatness on the world stage.

Dominating the Green Jersey Competition

Erik Zabel’s mastery in the Tour de France’s points classification is a tale of dominance rarely seen in the sport. Known as the green jersey competition, his six-year winning streak stands as a testament to his exceptional skill as a sprinter.

At the core of Zabel’s success was his unwavering consistency. Seasoned cycling enthusiasts recall how he would compete in every intermediate sprint and battle for stage victories relentlessly. Zabel’s strategy typically involved:

• Establishing a strong position early in stages
• Conserving energy efficiently throughout the race
• Executing powerful sprints to earn maximum points

His approach paid dividends, making him a familiar figure on the podium and a favorite among fans and competitors alike. The German cyclist’s name became synonymous with the prestigious green jersey, an honor that symbolizes superiority in sprinting.

Aside from his strategic acumen, Zabel’s physical endurance allowed him to thrive in grueling stages that often wore out his rivals. His ability to recuperate quickly and maintain form across the three-week Grand Tour contributed to his continued success in the points classification . Team Telekom, known for their tactical nous, played an integral role in Zabel’s victories, providing him with the necessary support during pivotal moments of the race.

Moreover, Zabel’s sprinting prowess wasn’t limited to the Tour de France. His versatility saw him claim the points classification in other Grand Tours, further cementing his reputation as one of the most proficient sprinters in cycling history.

Yet, it was the green jersey competition where Erik Zabel truly left his mark, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, raw speed, and a never-say-die attitude. This period of Zabel’s career underlines the breadth of his achievements in professional cycling and his status as an iconic figure in the sport.

Breaking Records and Achievements

Erik Zabel’s career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements and records that underscore his status as one of cycling’s greats. It’s no understatement to say his victories are a testament to his incredible skill and determination .

Throughout the mid-1990s and early 2000s, Zabel set the cycling world alight, racking up win after win. He’s acclaimed for winning the prestigious Points Classification in the Tour de France a record six consecutive times from 1996 to 2001—a feat that cements him in the annals of the sport.

• Milan-San Remo : Zabel claimed victory in this monumental one-day race four times, showcasing his prowess in both sprints and endurance.
• Paris-Tours : Another highlight includes winning this classic race three times, further underlining his versatility and sprinting ability.

Zabel’s consistency was unmatched . He maintained a level of performance that saw him finish in the top three in the world rankings for several seasons, earning the respect and admiration of peers and fans alike. He accumulated over 200 professional wins during his career, a figure that places him among the most successful riders of all time.

His record at the Tour de France, particularly, demonstrates a blend of tactical nous and raw power, often beating out competitors in fiercely contested sprint finishes. He also performed extraordinarily at the Vuelta a España , not only in his individual stage victories but in his contributions to the team’s successes as well.

Erik Zabel’s lasting impact on cycling isn’t merely in the victories and titles he amassed. It’s in the indelible mark he left on each race, inspiring a generation of cyclists with his competitive spirit . He may have retired from professional racing, but his legacy continues to influence the sport, just as the strategies and techniques he employed are studied and adopted by new riders on the international circuit.

The Legacy of Erik Zabel

In the echelons of professional cycling, Erik Zabel’s legacy is undeniable . Over the years, he not only racked up an exceptional tally of victories but also shaped the tactics used by sprinters in the peloton. His contributions extend beyond the race finishes; his training methodologies and approach to competition have influenced countless cyclists.

Erik Zabel’s Strategy and Influence

• Pioneered the art of sprint trains, guiding team success
• Enhanced the role of lead-out riders in final race kilometers
• Offered insights into race reading and strategic placement

Zabel’s approach to the sprint finish revolutionized the role of lead-out riders, transforming team strategies to secure stage wins. Younger riders look up to his six green jerseys as benchmarks for consistency and performance in the Tour de France.

In addition to his tactical contributions, Zabel’s sportsmanship and humility earned him the respect of his peers. He was known for fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fair play, traits that are now deeply woven into the fabric of the cycling community.

Erik Zabel’s Continuing Impact

• Remains actively involved in cycling as a coach and advisor
• His methodologies are still relevant in modern cycling training
• Acts as a role model for up-and-coming riders

Since retiring, Zabel has stayed close to the sport, offering his expertise as a coach and a valuable resource for team strategies. His insights into sprinting techniques and endurance training continue to shape the development of emerging talents. The legacy he has left behind is visible in the strategic overtakings and last-minute sprints that thrill spectators the world over, as the new generation applies tactics once pioneered by Zabel himself.

Moreover, his enduring record of performance serves as a high watermark for professional cyclists aiming to leave their own mark on the sport. With a career defined by determination and indelible success, Erik Zabel remains a lasting influence in the world of competitive cycling, reminding us that legends never really retire—they evolve.

Erik Zabel’s journey from a local enthusiast to a cycling legend is a testament to his relentless drive and exceptional talent. His six-year reign in the Tour de France’s green jersey competition and his classic victories at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Tours carved his name into the annals of cycling history. Zabel’s influence extends beyond his race days as he now shapes the future of the sport through his role as a coach and mentor. His strategies and sportsmanship continue to inspire and guide emerging talents in the cycling world. As the sport evolves Zabel’s legacy remains a high watermark for cyclists aiming for greatness, proving that with dedication and skill, one can sprint to the very top and stay there.

What is the article about?

The article discusses Erik Zabel’s early days in cycling, his transition from enthusiast to professional athlete, and his rise to becoming a dominant force in the sport. It also highlights Zabel’s notable achievements and his lasting impact on cycling.

What is Erik Zabel known for?

Erik Zabel is known for his natural talent in endurance and sprinting. He is also recognized for his six consecutive wins of the green jersey at the Tour de France and his victories in races like Milan-San Remo and Paris-Tours.

What is Erik Zabel’s legacy?

Erik Zabel’s legacy includes his contributions to sprinting tactics, his sportsmanship, and his continued involvement in the sport as a coach and advisor. His methodologies and records serve as benchmarks for aspiring professional cyclists, and his influence on the sport continues to evolve.

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Erik Zabel is a former German professional road cyclist who was born on July 7, 1970, in Berlin. He was a sprinter and is regarded as one of Germany’s greatest cyclists of all time. Zabel was well-known for his ability to win sprints on flat Grand Tour stages and one-day events.

Zabel started his professional cycling career with the Telekom team (later T-Mobile) in 1992 and soon established himself as a top sprinter. He won his first Tour de France stage in 1993 and went on to win six Points classification crowns from 1996 to 2001, making him one of the Tour’s most successful sprinters. Zabel also won four editions of the Milan-San Remo, one of cycling’s five Monuments, in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001. He also won several additional one-day races, including two Paris-Tours (1994 and 2003).

Zabel also had international success, winning a bronze medal in the road race at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. After a 16-year career, he retired from professional cycling in 2008.

Zabel’s career was not without criticism, despite his great accomplishments. He was stripped of his six green jerseys after admitting to using EPO at the 1996 Tour de France in 2007. He has now apologized and has become an advocate for safe cycling.

Erik Zabel’s Most Significant Achievements:

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Erik Zabel: Yes, of course I doped... I hope the new generation learns from our mistakes

Erik Zabel was one of the best sprinters of the late 20th and early 21st century. He retired with 146 victories to his name, including 12 stages, 6 Tour de France regularity jerseys, 8 stages in the Vuelta a España, 4 Milan-San Remo, 3 Paris-Tours, 3 Eschborn-Frankfurt, the Amstel Gold Race and numerous stages in races such as the Tour de Suisse or Tirreno Adriatico.

In a conversation with Relevo colleagues, he recalled some of his former rivals such as Óscar Freire, Alejandro Valverde or Alessandro Petacchi; he talked about what the Vuelta a España meant to him and again acknowledged his doping and what he thinks of cycling today in those terms.

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ÓSCAR FREIRE

He is my friend. We had good times together when we were competing. It is true that we were rivals, but there was always respect. Sometimes we had a few run-ins, but our fight was a sporting one. Later, when he left Rabobank to join Katusha, I trained him because I was on the coaching staff at the time.

ALEJANDRO VALVERDE

All my respect for Alejandro Valverde. The best of his generation from my point of view. One of the most professional cyclists, no doubt. A multifaceted giant.

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ALESSANDRO PETACCHI

It's one of the moments I can't forget, how I lost there. Yes, I was focused on overtaking Petacchi a few meters from the finish line. When I did, I raised my arms to celebrate what I thought would be my victory. Suddenly Freire came from behind. I was in shock. He beat me; he was going very fast. It was a surprise, and as I say, I still remember it even though it's been almost twenty years. You know what's funny? Well, obviously he won, but there are people who have kept the image of my celebration and think that Oscar was second.

VUELTA A ESPAÑA

I'll explain it to you, because it's easy. At the beginning of each season in my team (Telekom) I always asked us which Grand Tour we wanted to race. Everybody wanted the Tour, a few wanted the Giro and almost nobody wanted the Vuelta because it was the last one, so it was a big effort. Also for the German journalists, who usually declined. It was perfect for me because there was no media pressure of any kind. If you lost, nothing happened because nobody cared, but if you won... I liked the Vuelta a lot, yes.

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Yes, of course I doped. Everything I said at the time is true. I did use doping substances, but that's in the past. Unfortunately it happened like that, but I hope that the new generation learns from our mistakes. Today I believe that cycling is clean. I hope so.

FRIENDS IN CYCLING

You know, no one ever asked me this question. When we were racing it was hard to have them, because there was tension, stress and competitiveness. We didn't talk much. Now everything is easier, because we are relaxed, and yes, old rivals are friends in some cases.

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"he should be seen at the forefront of the riders who can dominate the grand tours in the coming years" - bernie eisel rates cian uijtdebroeks incredibly highly.

Article written by Juan Larra.

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Erik Zabel was a German professional who turned professional in 1992 and became one of the great road sprinters in the peloton. He has won over 200 races on the professional calendar, more than any rider of his era. At the grand tours, he has won the points classification nine times, a record, winning the Tour de France green jersey in 1995-97 and 2000-02, setting a record for the Tour with six points victories. He also won the Vuelta à España points classification in 2002-04. He has won 41 stages at the Tour, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta, 12 in the Tour, 21 at the Giro and eight at the Vuelta, which ranks him sixth all-time. Zabel has not managed to win the World Championship road race, but was on the podium three times – silver in 2004 and 2006 and bronze in 2002. In one-day classics, Zabel is most notable for winning at Milano-Sanremo four times, in 1997-98 and 2000-01. He also won the Amstel Gold Race in 2000 and Paris-Tours in 1994, 2003, and 2005. He also won the UCI World Cup in 2000. In the winter Zabel has frequently raced indoors, winning 14 different six-day races between 1995-2009.

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Tour de France : Erik Zabel verliert das Grüne Trikot

• Aktualisiert am 13.07.2007 - 18:20

Etappensieger und neu im Grünen Trikot: Tom Boonen Bild: AFP

Tom Boonen hat die sechste Etappe der Tour de France gewonnen. Der Radprofi aus Belgien gewann vor Oscar Freire und Erik Zabel. Der Deutsche aus dem Milram-Team musste damit das Grüne Trikot an den Etappensieger abgeben.

E rik Zabel konnte sich bei der Tour de France nur einen Tag an seinem Grünen Trikot erfreuen - zu einem wahren Leidensweg wurde die 6. Etappe für die verletzten Andreas Klöden und Alexander Winokurow . Nach dem Abschnitt von Semur-en-Auxois nach Bourg-en-Bresse, auf dem Tom Boonen nach 199,5 Kilometern seinen ersten diesjährigen Etappensieg feierte, führt jetzt wieder der ehemalige Weltmeister aus Belgien die Sprint-Wertung an. „Trotz eines Defektes an der Gangschaltung habe ich meine Chance genutzt“, freute sich Boonen.

Der Belgier hatte am Freitag schon in den ersten beiden Zwischensprints unterwegs Zabel wieder überflügelt. Mit seinen 35 Punkten vom Etappensieg vor dem dreifachen Weltmeister Oscar Freire (Spanien) und Zabel übernahm Boonen wieder das Grüne Trikot vom Milram-Kapitän. Das Gelbe Trikot verteidigte wahrscheinlich zum letzten Mal bevor es in die Alpen geht der Schweizer Zeitfahr-Weltmeister Fabian Cancellara.

„Nach einem Toursieg sieht es wohl nicht mehr aus“

Klöden und Winokurow hielten mit Schmerzen und ohne Zeitverlust durch. Mittags hatten die beiden Astana-Kapitäne nach ihren Stürzen vom Vortag dick verpflastert und bandagiert ihren Leidenweg angetreten. Klöden, der einen Haarriss im Steißbein erlitt, musste sich unterwegs vom Tour-Arzt versorgen lassen. Im Ziel behauptete er aber mit 33 Sekunden Rückstand seinen zweiten Rang hinter Cancellara. Winokurow hatte beide Knie und den Ellenbogen dick verbunden. Tiefe Fleischwunden waren in der Nacht mit mehreren Stichen genäht worden.

„Wenn sie die Alpen überstehen, ist alles drin. Aber nach einem Toursieg sieht es wohl nicht mehr aus“, hatte Team-Manager Marc Biver vor dem Start erklärt. In die triste Stimmung um das Team-Lazarett platzte die Nachricht der positiven B-Kontrolle von Matthias Kessler . Die Mannschaftsführung unter Biver reagierte mit der Entlassung des Nürnbergers, dem zwei Jahre Sperre durch den Schweizer Verband drohen.

„Die Schmerzen entscheiden, wie weit sie kommen“

Klöden und Winokurow hielten sich immer am Ende des Feldes auf, ihre Team-Kollegen bildeten einen schützenden Kokon um sie. „Ich weiß mit Schmerzen umzugehen“, hatte sich Winokurow, der unbedingt zum ersten Mal die Tour gewinnen will, selbst Mut gemacht. „Die Schmerzen entscheiden, wie weit sie kommen“, hatte Biver erklärt. Bahn-Olympiasieger Bradley Wiggins , der so gerne den Prolog in London gewonnen hätte, hatte schon kurz nach dem Start attackiert.

Der Vorsprung des Briten war zwischenzeitlich bei zum ersten Mal hochsommerlichen Temperaturen auf 18 Minuten angestiegen. Aber je näher das Finale rückte, desto mehr schmolz sein Vorsprung. 7500 Meter vor dem Ziel war das Feld wieder komplett, Wiggins am Ende seiner Kräfte. Für Zabel, der sich nach seinem tränenreichen Doping-Geständnis vor sieben Wochen fast devot gibt, wurde die 6. Etappe wieder zum Familien-Ausflug. Sein 15-jähriger Sohn Rick, bereits erfolgreicher Jugend-Fahrer, bekam ein Weißes Trikot - sonst die Auszeichnung für den besten Tour-Nachwuchsfahrer - geschenkt.

„Ich empfinde das jetzt als eine Art Geschenk“

„Das Grüne Trikot war kein Ziel von mir. Ich empfinde das jetzt als eine Art Geschenk. Oft ist es ja im Leben so, dass man etwas bekommt, wenn man es nicht unbedingt will und mit etwas Laissez Faire an die Sache geht“, hatte der Berliner vor dem Start erklärt. Da wusste er wahrscheinlich nicht, dass die Tour-Organisation bei ihren „Aufräumarbeiten“ nach den Doping-Geständnissen auch dabei ist, Zabels erstes Grünes Trikot von 1996 wegen zugegebenen Dopings zu annullieren. Das erklärte am Freitag der Direktor des Tour-Organisation Amaury Sports, Patrice Clerc.

Damit dürfte Zabel auch den Rekord verlieren, von 1996 bis 2001 das Trikot sechs Mal in Serie errungen zu haben. Zuletzt hatte er es 2002 getragen. Nach Bjarne Riis' Geständnis war der Name des dänischen Toursiegers von 1996 bereits aus den Annalen der Tour gestrichen worden.

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Tour de France: Erik Zabel verliert das Grüne Trikot

Erik Zabel verliert das Grüne Trikot

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Erik Zabel 'honoured' to lose Tour de France green jersey record to Peter Sagan

German full of praise as Sagan clinches seventh points victory

Former green jersey record holder Erik Zabel has said that he feels 'honoured' that his long-standing record of six victories in the points classification at the Tour de France has now been broken by Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe).

Zabel to work with German NADA on anti-doping

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Peter Sagan: We shouldn't have to risk our lives at the Tour de France

Sagan claimed a seventh green jersey on Sunday, capping a superb Tour for Bora-Hansgrohe , who also garnered a fourth place overall with Emanuel Buchmann and a stage win for Sagan in the first week.

"Honestly, there’s nothing I can do about this situation and, in any case, I can’t imagine a better new record holder than Peter Sagan," Zabel told Cyclingnews .

"If you look back at the last decade of pro cycling, I think Peter has been the best all-rounder. So losing a record to him... it’s not so painful to be second behind him; it’s more an honour."

Zabel took the Tour’s green jersey for six years on the trot between 1996 and 2001, as well as the Vuelta a España’s equivalent title from 2002 to 2004, but his achievements were overshadowed by a subsequent confession of doping for part of his career.

"Honestly, I was ready to give the record over to him two years ago, and then Peter was expelled for whatever reasons, but I think we all agree he would have won that year. He’d have eight by now,” Zabel said.

"There is this old saying that ‘records are there to be beaten’. But it’s always a different story if it comes down to your record, you maybe think twice about that."

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Present on the Tour this year, Zabel told Cyclingnews he had been following the green jersey competition closely.

"Sagan was by far the most consistent. His closest main rivals were Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) and Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), but Wout didn’t make it to the end," Zabel said. "In any case, he was a little bit tied up by the team’s overall strategy, doing lead-outs for Dylan Groenewegen instead of going purely for the jersey.

"Honestly, I don’t know what Michael Matthews’ strategy was. Sometimes he was going for intermediate sprints, sometimes he wasn’t. Then he led out Cees Bol another day. If Sagan's main rivals are riding like this, it’s also not so difficult. But he is by far the best anyway

"The way he raced was just amazing. Apart from being there in the bunch sprints, in the intermediate sprints, in the breakaways, he was never on his limits. Either that, or the other riders weren’t forcing him to the limit. Peter was always in control of this competition, so for sure he is a deserving winner of the green jersey."

As for whether the Tour should change the rules to try to render the green jersey more exciting or to make the competition ‘Sagan-proof’, Zabel argues that it would be pointless.

"Put simply: whatever rules you use, as far as I can see, he would have won anyway," Zabel said. "Because he’s simply the best."

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Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews , he has also written for The Independent ,  The Guardian ,  ProCycling , The Express and Reuters .

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Erik Zabel, Signed 1997 Tour de France Green Podium Jersey (direct from Erik) See Video

$ 850.00

Obtained directly from Erik Zabel.

In 1997 Erik Zabel donned the green jersey following Stage 3 and proudly wore it all the way to Paris.  Along the way, he also won Stages 3,  7, and 8 of the Tour de France.  His 1997 Green Jersey win at the Tour would be the second of his record-breaking six consecutive victories in the Tour Points Classification.

Erik Zabel with 152 professional wins and 211 wins in his career, is considered by some to be one of the greatest German cyclists and cycling sprinters of all-time. Zabel won a record nine points classifications in grand tours including the points classification in the Tour de France six consecutive years between 1996 and 2001 and the points classification in the Vuelta a España in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Zabel won Milan–San Remo four times and numerous six-day track events. He was one of the few road cyclists of recent times who raced all year, including track cycling in winter.  Zabel has worked as a sprint coach for both the Katusha and HTC-Highroad teams.

This jersey was purchased by the Horton Collection directly from Erik Zabel.

Chest: 38 inches / 96 cm  (19 inches / 48 cm measured armpit to armpit)

Length: 27 in / 68.5 cm

Maker: Nike

70% Polyester – 30% Nylon, Made in Italy

This jersey is one of a kind, please look carefully at the photos to determine condition.

Out of stock

Description

Additional information, early life and amateur career.

Zabel grew up in East Berlin, in the borough Marzahn. His father Detlev was a professional cyclist. His first international success as a junior was at the track world championship when he was third in the team pursuit on the East German team. In 1988 he was fifth in the points race. In 1989, as a 19-year-old, he was included in the East German national track team for professionals. That year he became the national champion of East Germany in the individual pursuit.

After the Fall of the Berlin Wall he moved to Dortmund and became part of the amateur team RC Olympia Dortmund, led by Hennes Junkermann. He was second at the first national road championship of reunified Germany in 1991, first at the regional championship of North Rhine-Westphalia and was included in the amateur German team for the World Championship in August. In 1992 he made a name as a strong sprinter, winning the green jersey in the Peace Race and taking several stage wins in stage races. In July he was fourth in the road race of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, where he won the sprint of the peloton.

Professional career

1993–1995: the early years.

In late 1992 he turned professional with the small German team Union-Frondenberg, before changing in 1993 to Team Telekom where he further developed as a sprinter. On 27 April 1994 Zabel tested positive for clostebol metabolites in Veenendaal-Veenendaal. He was fined 3000 Swiss francs and lost 50 points. A suspension on probation was canceled. Later that year he won Paris–Tours in a mass sprint, his first win in a classic race.

In 1995 he won two stages on the Tour de France, his first success on a grand tour.

1996–1999: Green jerseys and classics victories

In 1996 he won again two stages in the Tour de France and won the points classification. He took over the green jersey in the 10th stage and wore it until the end of the Tour. That year his Telekom team took first and second place in the general classification as well, with Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich respectively.

In 1997 Zabel won his first monument classic, Milan–San Remo. He was the only sprinter in a group of forty to make it to the finish and easily won the sprint. Later that year, he won three stages on the Tour de France and secured his second green jersey.

In 1998 he won Milan–San Remo a second time and became the national road champion of Germany. He won his third green jersey in the Tour de France, however this time without a stage victory.

In 1999 he was second in Milan–San Remo, winning the peloton sprint behind Andrei Tchmil who had broken clear in the final kilometer and managed to maintain his effort. He won the important German semi-classic Rund um den Henninger Turm in Frankfurt and won his fourth consecutive green jersey, equalling Sean Kelly’s record, again without winning a stage.

2000–2002: World number one

In 2000 he won two legs of the UCI Road World Cup in spring: Milan–San Remo a third time and a surprise win in the Amstel Gold Race, beating Michael Boogerd in a bunch sprint. In the summer he won an unprecedented fifth green jersey, thereby surpassing Kelly’s previous record. At the end of the year, he was the best overall in the World Cup and number two on UCI World Ranking.

In 2001 he won Milan-Sanremo a fourth time, the most since cycling legend Eddy Merckx, earning him the nickname Signore Milano-Sanremo in Italy. He won the points classification in the Tour de France a sixth consecutive time, winning three stages furthermore. Zabel’s unique streak of six green jerseys was owed to his all-round ability: he was one of the strongest sprinters, but could also climb reasonably well. This meant that, apart from taking the lead in the general classification in the Tour de France thanks to time bonuses, he could pick up further victories when other sprinters had retired and take the green jersey (as a symbol for the leader of the points classification) to Paris. One memorable victory in securing the green jersey was in the 2001 Tour de France when his competition with Australian Stuart O’Grady lasted from the first week until the final stage in Paris, where Zabel’s better placing took the green jersey off O’Grady’s shoulders. Later that summer, he also won the HEW Cyclassics, Germany’s biggest one-day classic, and his seventh World Cup race. In September he won three stages, consecutive, in the Vuelta a España and was fifth in the World Championship road race in Lisbon.

2001 turned out to be his most successful year ever. At the end of the year, he had won 29 races and was number one on the closing standings of the world ranking.

In 2002 he missed the breakaway in Milan–San Remo but won Rund um den Henninger Turm a second time. In the summer, he failed to win a seventh consecutive green jersey in the Tour de France. He won one stage victory, his twelfth in total, but was ultimately beaten by Australian Robbie McEwen in the final points classification. He won the points classification in the Vuelta a España instead, without winning a stage. In Zolder, in Belgium, he finished third at the World championship in a peloton sprint behind Mario Cipollini and Robbie McEwen. At the end of the year, he maintained his number one position on the world ranking.

2003–2005: Vuelta success and podium places

In 2003 he became the national road champion of Germany for a second time, but failed to win a stage in the Tour de France and was third in the final points classification. He won two stages in the Vuelta and again won the points classification of the race. In October he won Paris–Tours for the second time in his career and was awarded the unofficial Ruban Jaune for winning the race in a record average speed for a one-day race of 47.55 km per hour. The record stood until 2010 when Óscar Freire won Paris–Tours riding at an average speed of 47.73 km per hour. He ended the year as number two on the world ranking behind Paolo Bettini.

In 2004 Zabel began the season losing what would have been his fifth Milan–San Remo. He looked secure to win the sprint, but lifted his arms to celebrate too early and was ultimately foiled by Óscar Freire. He was third in the points classification of the Tour de France and first in the Vuelta points classification, but despite numerous second and third places, he didn’t win a stage. His first place in the Vuelta was also his ninth win in a points classification of a grand tour, an all-time record. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, he was again fourth in the road race, again winning the sprint behind three escapees and so missing an Olympic medal twelve years after Barcelona. In October, after 9 victories and 18-second places throughout the season, he ended the year as he had begun it: second behind Freire, this time in the world championship in Verona.

In 2005 Zabel became the first to win Rund um den Henninger-Turm in Frankfurt a third time, in his first win on the season. In May he participated for the first time in his career in the Giro d’Italia, seeking the only points classification he had not yet won, but failed to win a stage and was sixth in the points ranking. His Telekom Team, keen on winning the Tour de France with Jan Ullrich, decided not to include him in the selection for that year’s Tour, much to the discontent of Zabel, who declared at the start of the HEW Cyclassics that he would be leaving the team at the end of the year. He rode the Vuelta, but was unable to win a stage or the points classification despite multiple second places behind Alessandro Petacchi, and played no role in the World Championship in Madrid. In October he won Paris–Tours a third time, equalling the record in the classic of Gustave Danneels, Paul Maye and Guido Reybroeck.

At 35, Zabel left his team Telekom after 13 years and signed on for the Italian-German team Milram in 2006, where he teamed up with Alessandro Petacchi. Petacchi was considered the fastest sprinter in the world by then and would focus on an Italian program, but the Italian broke his knee in the Giro, making Zabel the leader of the team that season. He had to wait until 24 May to take his first win of the season, a stage in the Bayern Rundfahrt. In the Tour, he was the team leader in the absence of a GC contender and was ultimately second in the points classification, but his best stage results were two third places. In the Vuelta he won two stages, his first ProTour wins in 2006, before heading to the world championship. In Salzburg, he finished second in a three-man sprint with Paolo Bettini and Alejandro Valverde, his third podium finish in the world championships.

In 2007 he won two stages in the Bayern Rundfahrt and one in the Tour de Suisse. He was again captain in the team selection for the Tour de France after Alessandro Petacchi had been suspended for a positive salbutamol test. He wore the green jersey one day, was twice second and once third in a stage, but was third once more in the final points classification. In July he won one stage in the Deutschland Tour, his 13th in total, and won the race’s points classification for the seventh time. In September he won the seventh stage in the Tour of Spain, ahead of world champion Bettini, totaling eight stage victories in the Vuelta throughout his career.

Excerpt from Wikipedia.  Read the full article here –  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Zabel

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