For Team NetApp-Endura, there was a lot to lose and very little to gain in today's stage of the Tour de France. The team rode an attentive race and managed to keep Leopold König protected in the windy conditions.

The 15th stage of the Tour de France was a transfer stage before the second rest day and ran over 222 km from Tallard to Nimes. After a calm start, things got really exciting again under adverse weather conditions in the destination town in the finale. It was only possible to catch up with the two escapees in the last twenty meters.

Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) took his second stage victory. He relegated Heinrich Haussler (IAM) and Peter Sagan (Cannondale) to the runner-up places. Leopold König crossed the finish with the main field and thereby defended his eighth place in the overall rankings.

“We had the corresponding information about the weather today and knew what to expect. We were really concentrated the whole time. Luckily, the wind then weakened during the heavy rain; otherwise it would have got very dangerous, given the road conditions and roundabouts.So we’re just happy no one fell and that we always knew what was happening. The guys now deserve a day of rest,” said Enrico Poitschke after the stage.

The 16th stage after tomorrow’s rest day will be the longest of the Tour de France, at 237 km.After the start in Carcassonne, five mountain classifications have to be completed. The biggest challenge here is the final ascent of the hors category at Port de Bales (1,755 m) just 20 km before the finish. Good down-hill riders will have an advantage during this stage.