The Norwegian sprinter of the World Team sprinted for the victory in his national tour at the end of the fourth stage this Friday. Him teammates brilliantly managed the stage to ensure a group sprint in the streets of Kristiansand.
Italian rider Simone Petilli first led the peloton to control the gap with the early breakaway and to bring it back to a reasonable distance in the approach to the local circuit. This local lap contained the short Gimlekollen climb (1.4km at 5%).
To deal with the strength of the breakaway, the reinforcement of Julius Johansen, Laurens Huys and Adrien Petit made it possible to reel in the escapees, to neutralize counterattacks and finally also to position Alexander Kristoff for the final.
The former European champion finished third, obtaining his ninth podium of the season. Laurens Huys, who also finished in the first group of 40 riders, climbs to seventh place in the general classification.
« I’m happy that I reach my level again after several setbacks in the beginning of the season. I always continued working hard and even when things weren’t going as I hoped, I kept believing in myself. This is the first time that I battle with the best GC riders on this level. The uphill finishes in the first and third stages suited me really well, but before we had to battle in the crosswinds. Luckily I can rely on experienced teammates. Yesterday, it was Alexander Kristoff who positioned me in the front at the foot of the final climb, this really gave me wings. His parcours knowledge is a great advantage for our team. It is my first time in Norway and it is a nice discovery. It is a beautiful country and a race with fantastic routes. Only the wind is my enemy, I hope to continue positioning well in the crosswinds in the final weekend to keep my GC result. »
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