Russian sprinter Nikolay Trussov had an excellent return to competition when he sprinted to fourth in the first stage of the Tour des Fjords. His Tinkoff-Saxo team is confident that their fast finisher will win a stage at some point in the race.

Today, Tinkoff-Saxo took part of the Norwegian stage race, Tour des Fjords and the first stage from the second largest city in Norway, Bergen to Ulvik. Three climbs were on the menu during the 161 kilometer long initial stage. Tinkoff-Saxo participate with Michael Valgren, Jesper Hansen, Manuele Boaro, Nikolay Trusov, Karsten Kroon and Bruno Pires.

Even though a breakaway was attempted, the pack was complete with ten kilometers remaining and everyone expected a regular bunch sprint. But a cunning, late attack by Jerome Baugnies (Wanty) took him to the finish line where he could celebrate his stage win before Magnus Cort (Cult Energy – Vital Water) rushed to second place.

Tinkoff-Saxo’s Nikolay Trusov finished fourth today:

“First, the stage was dominated by a breakaway consisting of riders and we helped out in the front of the pack to bring them back in. With two kilometers to go, Baugnies powered away and no one was able to catch him. Nikolay did a fine job finishing fourth. He has had a long break from racing and if he can finish among the best on the first day, I think he can get a stage win here over the next couple of days. The stages are hilly but not as steep as in Tour of Norway and we’re targeting a stage win,” said DS,Tristan Hoffman after the stage.