André Greipel: 'I've lost the instinct to make the right decisions. I cannot even sprint'

After failing to win a stage of the Tour de France (the first time he had not picked up a stage win at a Grand Tour since 2007), André Greipel has admitted that he has lost some of the sprinting instincts that have seen him take 140 professional wins.

Speaking after finishing 13th on stage three of the BinckBank Tour (won by Peter Sagan), Greipel said that he was grateful that Lotto-Soudal continued to back him despite his recent poor form.

"This is not my best time as a cyclist, but what can I do about it?" the German sprinter told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

"As you can see, the team continues to believe in me. But it's as if I've lost all instincts to make the right decisions.

"Today [on stage three] I was in fourth position with 400 meters to go. In the end, I cannot even sprint. I've completely lost my instinct on the bike."

Greipel's last victory came back in May on stage two of the Giro d'Italia, but since then has been unable to cross the line first in a sprint finish, despite finishing in the top-three on four stages of the Tour de France.

"It's frustrating for us, but especially for him," admitted Lotto-Soudal sports director Herman Frison. "It just does not work. André will have to flip the switch himself."