Race report

Bunch sprint decides final stage at Tour of Norway

Tour of Norway

Romain Combaud was the fastest for Team DSM in the bunch sprint on the fourth and final stage at the Tour of Norway taking 20th place, slipping one place back to 11th in GC after count back on finishing places on the stage.

The stage was always touted to be a sprint finish with a much flatter profile than the previous days and by the finish that’s exactly how it panned out but the peloton had to work for it after a break of seven went clear early on and rode well out front.

Seven became three in the closing kilometres as the peloton piled on the pressure and then in the final eight kilometres the catch was made and all eyes turned to a sprint. Combaud put in one final effort in the sprint and took his fourth top 20 placing of the race.

Team DSM coach Michiel Elijzen gave his comment on this final stage: “Today was a fast race but really controlled by the sprinters’ teams. We didn’t make the early break so it was a day riding behind the sprinters to the finish. We didn’t have a main sprinter at this race so didn’t have the opportunity to race for the win at the end. But the guys rode well together and finished this race in a good way.”

Results

Pos. Rider Team Time Points
1 WALLS Matthew BORA - hansgrohe 3:25:16 20
2 PEDERSEN Mads Trek - Segafredo ,, 10
3 HOELGAARD Daniel Uno-X Pro Cycling Team ,, 5
20 COMBAUD Romain Team DSM ,, -
30 DONOVAN Mark Team DSM ,, -
45 ONLEY Oscar Team DSM 0:13 -
50 LEKNESSUND Andreas Team DSM 0:53 -
88 GALL Felix Team DSM 5:16 -
90 HAYTER Leo Team DSM 7:39 -