Tinkoff-Saxo played a prominent role in the finale of today's stage of the Tour de Suisse but sprinter Michael Mørkøv failed to get in the mix. The team now plans to go on the attack in tomorrow's hilly stage which could be an opportunity for a breakaway.
The 183 kilometer long fifth stage of Tour de Suisse from Ossingen to Büren left another opportunity for the sprinters as there were only four smaller climbs on the profile of today’s stage.
However, a breakaway trio consisting of Frederik Veuchelen (WGG), Jaroslaw Marycz (CCC) and Sander Armée (LTB) wanted to give a try in front of the pack, which was pulled forward by Omega-Pharma Quick Step. Even though the front trio really dug deep, it wasn’t enough to keep the field away and with 10 kilometers to go, they were reeled back in.
Now, several sprinter teams were taking control of things and also Tinkoff-Saxo were showing themselves on the front to protect Roman Kreuziger and to driveMichael Mørkøv and Matti Breschel onwards. It was a dangerously technical final kilometer and a crash brought yesterday’s stage winner, Mark Cavendish (Omega-Pharma Quick Step) to a stop while Sacha Modolo (Lampre) rocketed away with Peter Sagan (Cannondale) on his tail, with the Italian taking the stage.
Tinkoff-Saxo’s Roman Kreuziger is still 8th overall – 28 seconds behind the overall leader, Tony Martin.
“The most important thing today was bringing Roman across the finish line in one piece and we succeeded in doing so. It was a very fast and technically demanding finale but all our riders made it safely through the stage. Tomorrow’s stage is a bumpy one and it go to either a breakaway or once again for the sprinters. If the situation occurs, we will put a man in the break but the main goal is Roman for the GC,” says DS, Fabrizio Guidi.
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