Bryan Coquard suspects he sustained a finger fracture due to an unfortunate action on Thursday in the twelfth stage of the Tour de France. The French sprinter was injured while taking a bag.
Coquard was in the leading group, but at one point stood on the side for a long time. The Cofidis rider was helped on his finger by the Tour doctor. After the treatment, he continued his way with a taped finger.
The 33-year-old Coquard fell far behind and crossed the finish line last on the Hautacam. He finished 44 minutes behind stage winner Tadej Pogacar, 5 minutes before the time limit expired.
“I wanted to take a bag containing ice and bidons,” Coquard explained to French media afterwards. “I think my finger is broken. It doesn’t look good,” said the sprinter, who had difficulty braking after the incident.
“I had a very tough day. I can’t bend my finger. I couldn’t brake with the rear anymore, only at the front. I’m in a lot of pain.”
Coquard has little time to recover from his injured finger. A climbing time trial is scheduled for Friday. Monday is the second rest day of this Tour.