A successful race for Nys as he leaves with first pro win, a top GC result and the win in the points classification
How it happened
The final stage of the Tour of Norway was a familiar one, finishing on a tight local circuit in Stavanger. Thibau started the day 23 seconds behind the overall leader, so it would have been a big ask to overhaul the deficit on such a tight course. But, Trek-Segafredo still had a plan to race aggressively for the stage result. After a monster turn to set up Thibau for the win yesterday, it was clear that Jasper Stuyven had good legs. He tried to surprise the sprinters with an attack in the final 2km, but with such a high pace being set around the city circuit it proved impossible to get away.
With the plan foiled, and the GC set, Thibau tried to prepare for the sprint. In the end, he finished 9th, struggling to find the front in the closing meters, but leaves the Tour of Norway happy with 3rd overall and his first pro win in the back pocket.
Thiabu’s reaction:
“I think it was a quite nice loop, but in the final it was so hectic. I had the feeling that everyone came into the final with fresh legs to the circuit which caused a lot of chaos and full gas racing from the beginning of the local laps until the end. Then it was full focus on the finish. It was quite difficult to keep your position with the whole team because of all the tight corners and it was difficult to stay in a line. In the last 2km I lost the wheel of Jasper and I told him to go for the attack like we had planned in the meeting, but he didn’t get much room. So I tried to get to the front and try in the sprint, but I was a little too far back.
I think we can be happy with the four days of racing here. I learnt a lot, I made some mistakes but also did a lot of good things. We can build on this. It’s a nice step in my career.”
Photos of the day
(Courtesy of Sprint Cycling)
