The 3rd stage of the Tour des Fjords would allow Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) to secure his hatrick of wins, with nobody able to come over the race leader in the sprint finale. Daryl Impey (Orica-Greenedge) was his nearest challenger in 2nd with our Edvald Boasson Hagen next up in 3rd.
Eddy was probably the fastest finishing rider as he went from about 10th to 3rd in the final 150m but Kristoff and Impey were just a meter or two too far ahead. MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung surely put on the best show of the day as a full “team attack” with 25km to go would set the race alight, this even though it was pouring rain once again.
The move that resembled the unity of a synchronized swimming team came when there was a lone leader 2’00” up the road. Michael Valgren (Tinkoff-Saxo) was the sole escapee but originally the early break was comprised of 4 riders, with our Nic Dougall also forming part of the quartet. Nevertheless, the plan was to make the racing tough back in the peloton and Valgren was soon caught after MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung turned up the heat.
A few attacks by Eddy and Jaco Venter really put the pressure on the peloton and in the end it was only around 40 odd riders that could withstand the onslaught. Coming into the final, Jaco would drop off Eddy and Kristian Sbaragli in good shape for the final kilometer. Two sketchy corners after the red kite saw Eddy and Kris lose a few spots with 400m to go. Both MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung riders then put their heads down with Eddy taking 3rd and Kris 9th.
Edvald Boasson Hagen – Rider
Alex Sans Vega – Sport Director
