Greig Leach

Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quickstep) was not remotely pleased. He had a flat, which is to be expected on cobbled city streets. His mechanic gave him a super quick bike exchange (faster then changing the rear wheel), so all was good. That is until, Kittel jumped onto the new ride and discovered that the rear tire was flat. He was justifiably pissed off. I have never seen that one happen before. Kittel pulled off his own wheel partially to aid his mechanic and partially so he could throw it to vent his frustration. He threw it towards the curb, but it took an odd bounce into the passing caravan. However after hitting another team car it came rolling back to his mechanic's feet. After a new wheel, he then had gearing problems with the chain. That one he took care of himself. There was plenty of time to get back into the peloton, but at what cost of energy? Etixx-Quickstep already had the withdrawal of Tony Martin in the middle of the final stage, so it was clearly not going their way.