Jasper Philipsen Explains Why Intermediate Sprints Matter at Tour de France

**Jasper Philipsen** highlighted the importance of five‑point intermediate sprints during the 2026 Tour de France, saying they can shape a sprinter’s overall classification hopes and dictate race tactics.

Intermediate sprints are designated points on a stage where riders sprint for bonus points and time bonuses before the finish line. In the 2026 Tour, each sprint awards five points toward the green points classification and a three‑second time bonus for the first rider across the line. The points feed directly into the competition for the sprinter’s jersey, making them more than just a side show.

Philipsen, the Belgian fast‑finisher for Alpecin-Deceuninck, explained that those five points can be the difference between wearing the green jersey and finishing outside the podium. "When you add up the sprints over three weeks, those five points per day add up to a real advantage," he said. He noted that a single intermediate sprint win can offset a missed stage win, especially on hilly days where pure sprinters struggle.

Alpecin-Deceuninck now positions a lead‑out rider earlier in the stage to contest the intermediate sprint, then reshuffles for the final sprint. Philipsen described the shift: "We ride the first sprint, grab the points, then we sit back and let the peloton settle before the finish. It’s a two‑step game now."

The team also uses the time bonuses to stay within striking distance of the overall leader on flat stages. By taking three seconds each day, Philipsen can stay in the top ten of the general classification without compromising his sprinting energy.

The green points classification is tighter than ever. After Stage 5, Philipsen sits just three points behind the current leader, thanks to two intermediate sprint wins. He believes the next week’s flat stages will be decisive, as the race will feature multiple sprint zones per stage.

Philipsen aims to convert his intermediate sprint success into stage victories. He plans to target stages 9 and 12, both expected to end in a bunch sprint. "If we keep collecting those five‑point sprints, the green jersey is within reach, and the stage wins will follow," he said.

The emphasis on intermediate sprints adds a new layer to the Tour’s tactical landscape, and Philipsen’s focus on them could reshape the sprint hierarchy for the rest of the race.