Toms Skujins Takes CoppiE Bartali Lead

24 March 2017 10:48
Toms Skujinš of Cannondale Drapac took the win on the third stage of the CoppiE Bartali in Italy.

A 130km stage from Riccione to Sogliano sul Rubicone, saw seven riders get clear early on in the stage. They were allowed to get 3.30 clear before that was down to two minutes ahead before the final three climbs of the day.

The final climb came in Montegelli saw the break caught and a five rider group ahead of four riders chasing them down.

With five kilometres to go. the front group were fifteen seconds ahead but going into the final kilometre they were caught and on the cobbled climb, Toms Skujinš of Cannondale Drapac made his move and won in 3.31.26, seven seconds ahead of Arnold Jeannesson (Fortuneo – Vital Concept), which was enough to give Skujinš the overall lead of the race over Lillian Calmejane (Direct Energie) by sixteen seconds.

“Today was a hard day,” said Skujinš to his team's press office. “There were not a lot of flat bits. I think it was something like 2,800 meters in 130 kilometers. In the profile, it looks like the last little bit is all downhill. It is definitely not. The climbs were mostly punchy. Some were super steep.
 
“I have to mention Nate Brown here.  “He really helped me out in the approach to the final climb. I hit the climb for the last time having used no energy and in a great position. All I had to do was follow as long as a could.
 
“When we got to the final climb, the original break had been caught, and there was another lone rider away,” noted Skujinš. “Caja Rural picked up the pace quite considerably and one of their guys launched a monster attack. He was followed by two guys, and then another two bridged across.

“On the rolling part, we worked really well together. “We caught them in the last kilometre and I figured when it doubt, lead it out.  “I jumped from the bottom and never looked back.

“Tomorrow should be a straightforward day with a sprint in the final,” said Skujinš. “The last day is as hard if not harder than today. It will be a battle. The race is not over yet. If I have the legs, I’m completely confident the team will bring me to where I need to be and we have a real shot at the overall.”





Article by Kev Monks for Digital Sports Group.  

Source: DSG