Lars Petter Nordhaug (Belkin) has made it clear that he targets the overall victory in his home race, the Tour of Norway, and today he proved that he is ready to chase his big objective when he attacked on a climb inside the final kilometre of the first stage. Despite being controlled by the Katusha team, he still had enough left in the tank to finish 4th in the sprint.

Lars Petter Nordhaug began the Tour of Norway today with a fourth place. The home favourite was not able to beat fellow Norwegian Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) in the sprint, but Sports Director Erik Dekker is happy with the way he and the team raced. 

“We wanted to ride for the stage win, but it was difficult to drop Kristoff in the final 400 metres,” said the DS. “The road went slightly uphill and Lars Petter gave what he had, but unfortunately, it was not enough. Fourth is fine, however. Lars Petter didn’t lose any time, so with an eye on the overall, it was good.” 

Dekker was pleased with the others, as well.

“Stef Clement did a great job by controlling the break, Barry Markus dropped off Lars Petter in a good position in the final and Bauke Mollema was able to hang on until the line. Sep Vanmarcke was very motivated to race again after Paris-Roubaix and gave everything he had, but on the last climb he was dropped, which is no shame and only logical.” 

Dekker was especially pleased with Mollema.

“For him, with the overall in mind, it was good that he didn’t lose time. We shouldn’t expect too much straight away because Bauke is riding his first race in a long time, but it’s always good to stay in the race if you can.” 

Tomorrow’s stage could well end a bunch sprint. Dekker sees it as the last chance for sprinter Markus as the remainder of the race consists of hilly stages.

“And for the GC men, it’s important that they don’t lose time.”