The 4th stage of the Tour of Denmark came down to the expected bunch sprint with Matti Breschel (Tinkoff-Saxo) taking the win. Edvald Boasson Hagen was challenging for the victory but had to settle for 2nd place today.
As there are two stages today, the morning stage was only a short 116km race. The pace was fast and furious though, as it usually is on these short stages. The main break of the day was comprised of 13 riders and MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung did well to place both Kristian Sbaragli and Theo Bos in the move.
The leaders weren't allowed much freedom at all though as Roompot and Bardiani missed the moved and hoped to bring the race to a mass sprint. The two Pro-Continental teams were successful in their quest, even though there were a few late skirmishes after the break was caught.
MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung prepared the sprint for Boasson Hagen and the African team were in good shape heading under the 3km to go sign. It was pretty much a Tinkoff vs MTN-Qhubeka race leading into the sprint with the Russian team able to just nudge ahead, taking the win with Breschel. Boasson Hagen was a solid 2nd while Magnus Cort Nielsen (Denmark) ran 3rd.
There was some unfortunate news for the team today when Jacques Janse van Rensburg had to abandon the race mid-stage after crashing out. It was later discovered that the South African champion had in fact broken his collarbone.
"The team were really good once again and all the boys were very strong. They raced positively and always at the front before doing a good leadout for Edvald at the end. Breschel was just faster in that sprint and Eddy would come 2nd. It is sad that we lost Jacques today and we hope his recovery is a quick one," sports director Michel Cornelisse said.
"Jacques was unlucky enough to crash out of the stage today. He fell hard onto his left shoulder. Unfortunately, x-rays have revealed that Jacques has suffered a clavicle fracture. It is likely that he will require surgery on the shoulder," Dr Jarrad van Zuydam said.
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