Merhawi Kudus is known as one of the biggest climbing talents in the world but today he had to make use of some unusual skills. Going into the final stage of the Route du Sud, four riders were equal on time and so Kudus had to mix it up in the final sprint to defend his fifth place in the overall standings.

The final stage of the Route du Sud saw Adriano Malori (Movistar) come away with the stage win after making a late attack. Benjamin Giraud (La Pomme Marseille) and Maxime Daniel (AG2R La Mondiale) were the 2 riders rounding out the podium on the stage. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had Merhawi Kudus finish as their highest placed rider on the stage, crossing the line in 11th position.

In the overall classification, Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff Saxo) was easily able to hold on to the lead he built up for himself after yesterday’s queen stage to win the tour overall, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was 2nd and Michael Rogers (Tinkoff Saxo) rounded out the podium in 3rd place. Thanks to his position on today’s stage, Merhawi Kudus was able to hold on to his 5th place overall as well ride away with the best young rider competition.

"Merhawi got involved in the sprint today and ended 11th which was a good and a little funny to be honest because he is such a small climber," Directeur Sportif Michel Cornelisse said. "The team was really good today, It was really windy all day and Ignatas didn’t leave Merhawi’s side all day. Merhawi was able to keep his 5th on GC and overall i am happy with the teams work this week, they were good."