Paul Martens won the Skoda Tour of Luxembourg on Sunday. The Blanco Pro Cycling Team rider began the last day as number three on the General Classification but with the help of his teammates finished second in the stage and rose to number one on the GC.

“It’s unbelievable – indescribable!” Martens said. “I’ve been close before, but this is the first time I’ve actually won a stage race.” 

Martens did not expect to be able to take the win on the last day. “Naturally, I was hoping so. I knew the last stage and what was possible and rode along those lines. I am very happy that it’s played out in a win because in that way, I can pay the team back. They worked unbelievably hard for me the past few days. Without them, I could not have done it.”

Lead evaporates

Martens actually came very close to taking the last stage himself. The stage was won by Bob Jungels (RadioShack-Leopard) who escaped in the last lap. “Five more metres and I would have caught him”, said Martens.

GC leader Jonathan Hivert and number two Matthias Brandle crossed the finish line as fourth and fifth but could not stay in touch with Martens. Their lead of a few precious seconds evaporated.