Tour turmoil for INEOS Grenadiers: How can they turn their luck around in the final week?

INEOS Grenadiers is no longer the dominant team it once was in the Tour de France. In the previous decade, they crushed the competition, but now they seem to be on the receiving end of the blows. Former Tour winner Egan Bernal is currently struggling, while Carlos Rodriguez, the team leader, shared his thoughts on the first two weeks during the rest day.

The British team has faced its fair share of challenges, there is no point in denying that, with Tom Pidcock returning home due to Covid-19, and both Geraint Thomas (also Covid-19) and Egan Bernal (not in top form) not feeling their best. The Colombian, who won the 2019 Tour de France, lost 41 minutes on Sunday, dropping from 13th to 21st in the GC.

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Rodriguez determined to entertain the spectators in final week of Tour

Team leader Rodriguez finished eighth but dropped from fifth to sixth place in the GC. How does he feel about it? "I feel good. We've been racing hard for fifteen days, so the body adjusts due to the intense competition. I'm curious how I'll feel on Tuesday when I get back on the bike, but for now, I'm enjoying the rest day."

"I have to be happy with my performance. I rode well and competed with the other top riders. Sunday may not have been my best day in this Tour, but I'm still satisfied. It wasn't a bad day, and I gave it my all," expressed the Andalusian regarding his day towards Plateau de Beille.

So what will the final week bring for the team? "We have to take it day by day and keep giving our all. Hopefully, a good result will come at the end," says the calm Spaniard. "I want to thank everyone for the support I've received. I appreciate it very much. Hopefully, I can still provide some entertainment in the last week of the Tour."