Yesterday Roman Kreuziger was one of the strongest riders in the first mountaintop finish of the Tour de Suisse but today the Czech was unable to keep up with the best. With the team captain on a bad day, Oliver Zaugg was given carte blanche to play his card and came away with fifth place.

It was time for the big finale in today’s 157 kilometer long and mountainous final stage of Tour de Suisse from Martigny to the HC climb to Saas-Fee forming the perfect scenery for the GC battle. With a lead of almost a minute, Tony Martin (Omega-Pharma Quick Step) was in favorable position to protect the overall lead of the race. Tinkoff-Saxo’s Roman Kreuziger was back in 7th position after yesterday’s big effort finishing second.

However, it was Tinkoff-Saxo teammates, Manuele Boaro and Oliver Zaugg who stole the limelight on the first part of the stage by breaking free with 15 other riders including Trek Factory Racing’s Andy Schleck. But the pace in the front group was fierce as Mathias Frank (IAM), Bauke Mollema (Belkin) and World Champion, Rui Costa (Lampre) were in the mix and eyeing a chance to create havoc in the GC.

At the foot of the final climb over 20 kilometers, the escapees had a lead of 2 minutes and Omega-Pharma Quick Step were running out of riders to pull the pack so Tony Martin was on his very own pulling the select group behind that kept getting smaller. As the slope was getting steeper, the front group exploded but Oliver Zaugg hung on to the favorites. With 3 kilometers to go, Mathias Frank launched a series of deep attacks but the World Champion, Rui Costa, made the decisive move and soloed his way to the finish line and took the stage win.

Behind, Tinkoff-Saxo’s Oliver Zaugg was digging deep to keep up with Bauke Mollema and Mathias Frank but finished 5th behind Steve Morabito (BMC). Teammate, Roman Kreuziger finished in the chase group and was 8th overall.

DS, Fabrizio Guidi states:

“Oliver has been progressing well over the last couple of weeks and today, he was among with the best climbers in the field but still lacks that little bit of punch needed to follow them on the final part. I’m sure he’ll get some good results very soon if he continues this development.

"Roman didn’t have the best legs today but I’m confident that he will be ready for the Tour in a few weeks’ time. We had hoped for a better GC result but it wasn’t to be this time. Now, our focus in on the Tour."