14.24 BST
73 km to go: James in Amsterdam writes about the mini controversy surrounding yesterday’s sprint goal. “All I see is Philipsen grabbing Cavendish’s steering wheel,” he says. “Both Girmay and Philipsen wanted Cavendish’s bike, Philipsen got it. This type of movement occurs several times leading up to each Sprint Goal and there is no way the judges will award DSQs for it.
“Two riders wanting the same bike, one insisting and one not, is an essential and everyday part of the sport. Dodging Philipsen didn’t handicap anyone, made anyone brake, or put anyone in danger. It was therefore correctly not counted as a ‘foul’.”
I agree and would like to add that in his pre-stage interview this morning Cavendish didn’t seem to have any argument with Philipsen or give the feeling that he was being pressured. He blamed a slipped gait for his defeat.
Updated at 14:24 BST
14.18 BST
78 km to go: “I would be interested to hear from you and other readers if you prefer to win the green jersey scoring system through sprint wins or consistent placements,” writes Robin Lynch. “While it’s difficult to deny Jasper Philippsen his sovereign lead, I prefer the final jersey to be won by a rider who competes on any terrain (Sean Kelly, Peter Sagan, Michael Matthews, Wout Van Aert) and the current one System of 50 points used Because a flat stage win makes it more likely that a dominant sprinter will take it. Although it’s not impossible, as we saw last year. I’m also curious about opinions on the new Maillot Vert model – it looks great on the podium but is hard to spot in the peloton. 6/10.”
I’m not a big fan of the new green jersey as I think the dark shade of green makes it look like a Bora Hansgrohe jersey.
Jasper Philipsen presents the latest green jersey of the Tour de France at the start of today’s stage. Photo: Thibault Camus/AP
Updated at 2.18pm BST