The weakened Slovakian pulled out of the race on Thursday with a knee injury and was possibly in the jersey of the best German team for the last time at the Grand Loop. According to various media reports, a move to the second-class French racing team TotalEnergies has already been finalised.
"It's a difficult decision. My knee is swollen again and I can't bend my leg. If you can't move your leg, it's no good," said Sagan after his withdrawal before the start of the twelfth stage. He only said a few words about his future in that he now wanted to prepare for the Olympic Games.
Sagan coveted, but expensive
The actual topic is the team Sagan will be riding for in the future. "You know very well that I can't say anything until 1 August," he replies to reporters, thereby adhering to the regulations of the world governing body. On the other hand, an agreement with Bora boss Ralph Denk could have been finalised long ago and communicated before August. Therefore, there are many indications that he will leave. It is also unclear what will become of the planned meeting between Denk and the Sagan management on the second rest day.
Sagan is undoubtedly courted. In addition to his three world championship titles, he has won the green jersey seven times and has also won various classics. And at the age of 31, the Slovakian has not yet reached the end of his potential, even if he is no longer the winning machine of recent years.
However, the whole Sagan package is expensive. In addition to a salary rumoured to be five million euros a year, the superstar of the scene has an entourage of an incredible eleven people attached to him. In addition to the riders Daniel Oss, Erik Baska, Maciej Bodnar and his brother Juraj Sagan, he also has two mechanics, two physiotherapists, a sports director, a press officer and another coach. This was reported by Patrick Lefevere, who therefore immediately refrained from making a commitment. "I don't want a team in my team," said the boss of Deceuninck-QuickStep.
Bora would like to extend his contract
The French are clearly not deterred by these conditions, especially as they have a large energy company behind them. And with a star like Sagan, the team is likely to be invited to the big races despite its second-class status. But Bora is obviously not out of the race either and would like to extend the contract.
Previously, Sagan had actually wanted to win the green jersey for the eighth time at the Tour. However, a heavy crash in the sprint of the third stage shattered this dream. Although he was back at the front in the sprint in Valence, he hit his already damaged knee against the handlebars. "I was actually on the road to recovery. And then this happened," said Sagan dejectedly.
The gap to green leader Mark Cavendish was already well over 100 points. In addition, more than a handful of riders were placed ahead of Sagan. Denk did not want to write off the green jersey just yet, but his hopes were slim. "We'll decide every morning whether we want to go for a sprint," Denk told dpa.
On Thursday morning, the decision was made to let it go completely in consideration of the further goals. "He's getting every treatment possible and we'll see how he reacts in the coming days," said Bora doctor Christopher Edler. Should Sagan leave the team, it will definitely not be a farewell in green.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:210708-99-304881/5
