Another pretty short and flat stage for the sprinters. Big two favourites Bazajev
and
Haedo
But so far it was a nice tour for breakaway riders, so their teams must work to secure a sprint finish.
Pereyra takes the high points at the first sprint with an early attack. Baek Park and Haedo following him. Bazajev not even sprinting for the points.
Kelderman is joining him some time later. together they once again form a small breakaway.
The three best sprinter`s teams are doing the pace. Meiji wants the big win today with Pirelli working as every day and Focus for Feillu, while Aker once again don`t need to work for Haedo.
Pereyra again being first ahead of Kelderman, while Baek Park collects more points in the sprint with Feillu.
Kelderman winning the last sprint ahead of Pereyra and Feillu out of the peloton. But more weird that riders like Kiserlovski and Moreno are also sprinting for the last 2 points and 2s.
With 30km to the finish the advance is still 5`20. So the sprinter teams must improve a lot if they really want a stage win here.
Then a strange move by the first three sprinters at the intermediate. Feillu Haedo
and Baek Park
don`t fall back into the peloton but decide to chase the 2 alone.
Maybe they feel it`s the last chance to get Bazajev`s green jersey.
Pirelli and Vespa are not doing such a high pace, so the 3 are allowed to create a gap.
First two probably don`t care. Pereyra in the worse position is leading out the sprint for Kelderman, who really wants the win today after his 4th two days ago.
With 1km to go Kelderman is starting the sprint from behind.
And celebrates a big win in his career. Also a nice bonus for Puma-SAP, who probably haven`t expected much from this race but being active.
Feillu beating Haedo for 3rd with Baek Park suffering in the end.
Haedo is just 1point behind Bazayev now. Maybe the Kazakh should have sprinted for the intermediates today.
In a pretty weird sprint and almost 5min back Manan leads the peloton over the line ahead of Kinney. Bazajev only finished 11th and missed the chance to gain some more points today.
This race really becomes one of the most lucrative for breakaway riders. At least you never know what happens as every stage has some surprises.
So Kinney defends his jersey once again and also Pirelli should be pretty happy with the race so far wearing two jerseys and one stage win.
