The last stage of the Tour of Norway took the peloton today around Stavanger. A finishing lap including a steep kicker had to be ridden twice and fireworks have been expected there. An early break was caught on the first of the local laps and even some riders attacked on the last climb a bunch contested for the sprint in the end. BORA – hansgrohe positioned Jordi Meeus with the help of J. Koch and M. Haller. Jordi lost a few meters in the last corner and came a little late on the home straight to take 3rd, while A. Kristoff took the win. Ben Zwiehoff finished the race 12th in the general classification.
Results
01 A. Kristoff 3:19:17
02 T. Andresen +0:00
03 J. Meeus +0:00
From the finish line
“It was a tricky final because there have been a lot of corners on the last two kilometers. I was on the wheel of Kristoff but was pushed off line in the last corner and lost positions and speed there. As a result, I came a little late on the home straight. That’s a pity because I had the highest speed and just missed out again by a few centimeters.” – Jordi Meeus
“Until the last corner everything worked out really well for us. The boys did a great job to bring Jordi in a good position before the last climb. He was strong and was able to follow the first group, and also in the lead-out Marco did a good job. Unfortunately, Jordi was pushed from one rider before the last corner and did run a little wide as a result. He lost the race there and it's a little frustrating to be honest, because he was the fastest today.” – Christian Pömer, Sports Director