Kelderman makes gains in Tour de France GC despite crash on stage 17 descent

Wilco Kelderman (Bora-Hansgrohe) heads into the final climb bloodied from a crash
Wilco Kelderman (Bora-Hansgrohe) heads into the final climb of stage 17 bloodied from a crash (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Wilco Kelderman (Bora-Hansgrohe) looked a bit like a cage fighter when he crossed the finish line of stage 17 of the Tour de France with blood dripping from his mouth and knee, but the 30-year-old considered his sixth place on the stage behind race leader and stage winner Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) a victory. 

The Dutchman held onto his sixth place in the overall standings and gained some time on his rivals despite sliding out on the descent from the Col de Val Louron-Azet just before the final push to the top of the Col du Portet.

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