Today’s fourth stage contained the most difficult profile of the five-day race in Northern France. The riders had to conquer a climb multiple times on a circuit like in a classic. The day became a real challenge for BORA – ARGON 18. Supported by Cesare Benedetti, who was even able to launch a tactical attack, Björn Thurau kept up with the favorites in a small field until the penultimate lap. But after the speed was increased at the Mont Cassel, he had to let go. On the final lap Thurau was close to get back into this group but another attack prevent him from it. He finished the stage in 25th place, at the same time with his teammate Benedetti and with a gap of 1:44 minutes to the winner Omar Fraile (Caja Rural). Thurau is now ranked 12th in the GC.

“Clearly, Björn had a bad day today. He suffered from problems with his knee that limited him on this tough course. Even if we did not achieve our goal, I appreciate how the team worked. The guys did exactly what we planned beforehand. The goal was to claim a podium spot with Björn today, because a fifth place in the GC is nothing one has to defend. We are rather ambitious and we targeted a Top3 result. Consequently we aimed to make the race a hard one and to cause a selection early on. Maybe we were just too ambitious and we rode to early in front. We sacrificed all and everybody, and that’s why it’s even more disappointing that the plan didn’t work out. But that’s the sport”, resumes Sport Director Christian Pömer the day.