Greg LeMond praises Joaquim Rodriguez but expects action to peak on the Alps

ByMaxwell Ward

Updated 17/07/2015 at 08:46 GMT

Greg LeMond has praised Team Katusha rider Joaquim Rodriguez after the Spaniard claimed his second stage win of this year’s Tour de France in the driving rain of stage 12.

“Rodriguez is a great climber and he was out of contention for the GC,” said former Tour winner Le Mond.

“He won in a very powerful way. Great effort. But I was hoping for more of a battle.

Katusha rider Rodriguez of Spain climbs on his way to win the 12th stage of the Tour de France

Image credit: Reuters

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“Team Sky has let go that type of rider now and you can expect such victories from riders who are 20 minutes down.”

Rodriguez showed real resilience to go out early and finish over a minute clear of the rest, but LeMond felt there was lacking of similar inspiration from the GC riders.

“It is amazing to see there's no real willing to test Chris Froome and Team Sky.

“That cool weather kept everybody together. The rain disrupted the rhythm. Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde tried a couple of times but they weren't making any headway.”

“The next couple of days will be very active but we will have to wait for the Alps to get the GC riders in action again.”

Speaking about his win, Rodriguez compared himself to a La Liga football side, saying:

“I am a bit like Atletico Madrid, you never know what to expect from me."

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