Having learnt about Belkin's decision to stop as title sponsor just hours before the start, the Belkin riders in the Tour de Suisse tried to stay focused on the racing. That was a difficult affair for them as the flat stage offered no options for the team that has no sprinter in the race.
The fourth stage of the Tour de Suisse unfolded as expected. In the final kilometres, a breakaway was caught, with Mark Cavendish of Omega Pharma-Quick Step showing his quick feet to win in a bunch kick. Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM’s Bauke Mollema finished safely in the pack to remain fourth overall.
The day started with the news that the team will need to find a new title sponsor for 2015. The riders were shocked by that message, but nevertheless were able to stay focused on the stage.
“A big crash early on in the stage shook us up,” said Stef Clement. “Of course, we were a bit numb when we started the race. Furthermore, you can feel that the pack is pretty nervous. There are many teams with guys who aren’t sure of the Tour de France yet, so they want to show themselves here.”
Sports Directors Jan Boven and Nico Verhoeven tried to keep the riders focused as much as possible on the day's racing.
“Today was a flat stage, but we knew we had to be attentive,” said Boven. “We wanted our GC riders Bauke Mollema and Laurens ten Dam to stay out of trouble, and we succeeded in that. At key points along the way, the guys protected them well.”
Wednesday's fifth stage runs some 183 kilometres from Ossingen to Buren a. Aare over rolling terrain favourable for another bunch sprint.
Daniel LIMA 20 years | today |
Frederick MURTANU 43 years | today |
Brenton JONES 33 years | today |
Nicolas CLEPPE 29 years | today |
Louise SCUPHAM 27 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com