Michael Rogers finally won a Tour de France stage after 10 years of trying, and with it came redemption for the Australian cyclist.
In his 10th Tour, the wily veteran stole a march on his four escape companions to solo to victory in the 237.5km stage from Carcassonne to Bagneres-de-Luchon on Tuesday.
Rogers' success came just three months after he was absolved of doping by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
"You dream of winning a stage of the Tour de France since you're a kid," the 34-year-old said.
"This was my 10th Tour, that makes 205 stages I have been without a win.
"It's amazing. I can't describe the joy I felt in the last 500 metres when I knew I was going to win.
"I hope I don't have to wait another 10 years to feel that again."
Six months ago, Rogers was uncertain if his career was over, having tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol at the Japan Cup in October. He was provisionally suspended.
The UCI accepted his plea that he inadvertently ingested the substance and cleared him of any wrongdoing, although he lost his Japan Cup victory because the stimulant was in his system.
Rogers was only cleared to race again in April but a month later won his first ever Grand Tour stage.
He actually managed two stage wins at May's Giro d'Italia and has now added a victory in France, helped by a time of reflection during his break from the sport.
"I think I'm smarter now. Certainly I realised you have to be in it to win it," he said.
"Previously I was too calculated and scared of the outcome before it arrived.
"I have really realised if you try your best then the worst thing that can happen is you lose, but at least you tried your best.
"I have also opened the door to more opportunities, I see them much clearer now."
Yet Rogers admitted he may never have had this chance had it not been for the terrible crash and injury suffered by his Tinkoff-Saxo team leader Alberto Contador, who left the Tour at the end of the first week with a broken shinbone.
Rogers said he would have still been working for Contador and helping him challenge runaway leader Vincenzo Nibali, had his teammate still been racing.
Asked if he'd have won this stage, Rogers said bluntly: "Probably not. I'd like to think I would have been really tired by now because I would have ridden so much on the front with the yellow jersey.
"It was tough for those four or five days after Alberto left but there was no plan B, we made a new plan A."
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE WINNERS:
* Robbie McEwen (12 stage wins)
* Phil Anderson (2)
* Cadel Evans (2)
* Simon Gerrans (2)
* Bradley McGee (2)
* Stuart O'Grady (2)
* Baden Cooke (1)
* Michael Rogers (1)
* Neil Stephens (1)
Share
