Young Czech ends season on high note after a fierce battle through the muddy vineyards
Lidl-Trek were out in force at a very wet edition of Paris-Tours. Mads Pedersen threw down an early challenge, jumping clear of the peloton and powering his way across to the breakaway with 68km remaining. Behind in the peloton, Lidl-Trek had strong numbers and were able to shut down several attacks, whilst Pedersen forged ahead with Affini sat on his wheel.
When Christope Laporte made his move 33km from the finish line, Mathias Vacek was quick to join him. Both riders had a teammate up the road, and before long were able to join them at the head of the race. After giving his last bit of energy to propel the breakaway, Pedersen dropped back, with Vacek and Laporte able to hold off the chasers to the finish. The Czech rider lead out the sprint, but had to settle for second place behind Laporte.
“We rode so well as a team today,” said Vacek at the finish line. We did a good leadout before the first sector and Mads had good legs so he tried to attack. He went away alone and caught the group of Affini. Laporte attacked on one of the climbs and I went with him. We managed to catch Mads and Affini. We were able to work together a bit, but Mads was already on the limit. I could go with Laporte and we could work together pretty well. In the end he had a btter sprint, I could not do much better today. Congrats to Chris, I’m really satisfied with how it went today.
“Again second, I have a little step to make to win, but for now I’m taking the second places. Of course I’m a bit disappointed, but we are getting there, and I have big confidence for the next season also.”
(Photo by Bruno Bade/Getty Images)
