Nicki Sørensen may have missed out on selection for the Tour de France but the Dane is clearly in good form. Yesterday he was one of the strongest in the breakaway on one of the hardest stages in the Tour of Austria.

The Tour of Austria peloton was today challenged with the long climb to Grossglockner, 2500 meters above sea level halvfway through the stage and with a short uphill finish after 146 kilometers in St. Johann.

A small breakaway group created a promising gap to the peloton and Tinkoff-Saxo Dane, Nicki Sørensen was in the mix and going over the summit of Grossglockner, both Oliver Zaugg and Jesper Hansen paced themselves up in the chase group. However, Jesse Sergent (Trek Factory Cycling) managed to sneak off from the front group and soloed his way to the finish line while the peleton swept up the remainder of the break.

DS, Tristan Hoffman comments:

“We were in an excellent position there for a while but descending the Grossglockner turned out to be chaotic due to rain and fog and Team Sky were eager to reel in the groups ahead and unfortunately, they succeeded in doing so. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to another mountain stage and we’ll try to retain Oliver’s position in the GC.”  

Oliver Zaugg is 5th overall while Peter Kennaugh (Sky) leads overall.