Yesterday Alexandr Kolobnev (Katusha) commenced the final stage of the Tour de Wallonie enjoying a slim lead in the overall classification, but the Russian ostensibly had the support of his team and sufficiently strong legs to defend his lead, even on the final two climbs of the dreaded Mur de Thuin.

His Katusha squad protected him throughout the fireworks of an attacking finale, but Kolobnev disappeared from the front as Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) attacked to walk away with the victory on the final ascent. Van Avermaet had to make up 22 seconds on Kolobnev to take the honours, but he put 24 seconds into the Russian on top of the ten-second time bonus for the win, which was more than enough to give the overall to the BMC rider.

Anthony Geslin (FDJ.fr) remained second, while Kolobnev rather disappointingly slipped down to third overall. 

After the race, and after crossing the finish line in visible disgust, Kolobnev revealed that in reality it was a mechanical problem that prevented him from defending his lead.
 

“Today [Wednesday] I was in a good shape, while the team was perfect and supported me during the whole stage. What a pity. With 12km to go on the cobbles my chain was blocked in the rear gear shift. So, sometimes this happens, especially on the cobbles. I had bad luck, nothing more. I did not have enough time to change the bike because of the high pace of the group. I decided to continue the race. Eventually I was able to take 3rd place in general. Not bad, counting one stage victory and four days in yellow,” Kolobnev said.

Next on the race itinerary for the Russian rider is the Classica San Sebastian on Saturday.