Talented young sprinter Michael Kolar took his first ever bunch sprint win in today's 5th stage of the Tour de Langkawi. Unfortunately, the win was only good enough for 4th as the peloton had failed to catch the three early escapees.
With two top 10 results in the first bunch sprints of this year's Tour de Langkawi, Michael Kolar has proved that he has the speed to mix it up with the likes of Theo Bos, Andrea Guardini, and Francesco Chicchi in the Malaysian race. Today he again proved his potential as a sprinter when he took his first ever sprint win as a professional rider.
However, the Slovakian was left wondering what might have been as the peloton had failed to catch early escapees Louis Meintjes, Bradley White, and Thomas Rabou. Hence, he was left with a fourth place but the win has certainly given his team taste for more.
“The Iranian team [Tabriz] controlled the pace of the pack and naturally, we had hoped for a complete bunch sprint but the trio was never neutralized and we had to settle for fourth position," sports director Tristan Hoffman said. "It was another solid effort from the team and of course Michael and I think he can do even better than this. During the next couple of the days we will focus on breakaway attempts and obviously keep Michael ready for the bunch sprints."
Kolar could get another chance in tomorrow's flat sixth stage which could be an opportunity for the sprinters.
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