Tour de France nightmare forces Uno-X to change tactics

Uno-X's cautious Tour de France strategy has been abandoned after a disastrous mountain stage saw their leader crash out and another contender lose significant time. The team, which had aimed for a top overall finish for Tobias Halland Johannessen, now plans a more aggressive racing style.

"We are a team that must constantly improve and try to make progress. Last year we finished sixth overall, and to take a step from there, we must do even more," said Uno-X director Thor Hushovd. "This year we have had two days in the yellow jersey. We no longer have it, so new opportunities are opening up."

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We are a team that must constantly improve and try to make progress. Last year we finished sixth overall, and to take a step from there, we must do even more.

Hushovd explained that the team can now "cycle more offensively and be more aggressive" than if they were defending the leader's jersey or if Johannessen was higher in the general classification. Johannessen, currently 13th overall and over nine minutes behind the leader, may find more opportunities in hilly stages with this new approach.

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This year we have had two days in the yellow jersey. We no longer have it, so new opportunities are opening up. We can cycle more offensively and be more aggressive than we had been, if we had to defend the leader's jersey, or if Tobias had been higher up in the general classification.

"His role will probably change a bit. Now he can play a little more offensively and possibly try to win a stage," Hushovd added. "I believe a stage win must now be our main goal, and then we must cycle offensively. Tobias is in very good shape."

Teammate Søren Wærenskjold nearly secured a stage win on Friday, finishing second in a mass sprint, indicating the team's renewed attacking intent. Saturday's stage is expected to be another opportunity for sprinters.

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His role will probably change a bit. Now he can play a little more offensively and possibly try to win a stage. I believe a stage win must now be our main goal, and then we must cycle offensively. Tobias is in very good shape.