Still catching up on TDF, but upon rewatching, Bala actually did an amazing sprint but was absolutely horribly positioned when Martin attacked. So he probably couldn't have gotten more out of it than that.
He actually made the competition look very mediocre. 500 metres to go he is behind Fuglsang in about 20th position, then he sprints past everybody, almost creating a big enough gap to gain a second. Imagine if Landa or Quintana would have tried to help Valverde. Not blaming them, its very possible they didnt have anything left, but Richie buried himself for GVA (or was it TJ?).
Fair time penalty btw
-I'm surprised anyone thought Sagan was a contender for this stage. Can't imagine him having any response for an attack such as Martin's on those gradients
I've actually enjoyed Sagan's growing up tho. A few years ago he rubbed people the wrong way. Today when they told him Matthews had to drop out he was genuinely disappointed and bummed even though a sprint rival was out. His english is getting better for post race interviews too and seems to be able to say what he wants. It is always interesting to hear the sprinters be able to recall the last like 2km to the pebble. Cav used to do it all the time.
-Dylan GROENEWEGEN is my guy for Stage 7, if only b/c Peter went a little too deep today, imo.