Final stage and it`s one for the sprinters most likely. GC leader Pedraza just has to control the race to deliver a huge win for his team.
A big breakaway group of 8 riders today. The most dangerous though being 9'30 behind. So eventually Mobil can play it easy and allow them to go.
The remaining sprinter teams though surely want to get another opportunity: Der Konovalovas Barbero Earle Lagkuti Johansson Ahmad Zamri Redondo
Jaguar, Fletcher, Venchi and Meiji are the teams to work at the front. In especially Meiji with a much needed success here as it was a disappointing race so far. Their actual GC rider Ji is working hard now to at least get a sprint win with Lo Cicero.
Sprint
Konovalovas
6
Barbero
4
Earle
2
Cat.4
Konovalovas
5
Earle
3
Ahmad Zamri
1
Sprint
Barbero
6
Konovalovas
4
Earle
2
Sprint
Konovalovas
6
Earle
4
Redondo
2
With 10km to go the breakaway is almost caught. Only 40s are left.
They don`t give up yet as Der attacks with the others also accelerating. But is it enough? Only 30s left.
The sprint trains though did need too much time for finding the right order and this allowed the break to still be in front with 2,5km to go.
Tennant
Lagab
Bennett
Drujon
Kaisen
Ascani
Modolo
Corioni
Lo Cicero
Cucinotta
Awang
Rizza
Abdallah
Earle is closing the gap to Der. But the group and also the sprinters are not far behind and still 1,6km to go.
It`s not a big surprise that the Meiji train is the strongest with Modolo being the leadout. They go in first position but still behind the group.
Flamme Rouge and Earle in the lead. Der is not able to follow and is slowing down a lot.
And indeed it is enough for Eddie Stobart. Nathan Earle wins the final stage in New Zealand making it a nice race for the CT team.
Der still on a good 2nd after his attack.
3rd goes to Johansson ahead of Barbero and Konovalovas.
Lo Cicero as 6th as best sprinter but this does not make their race any better. Awful performance by the Meiji riders.
GC leader Pedraza comes in safely within the pack celebrating a big win. Congrats to Mobil for this one.
CSC missed their first GC win but at least with 3 top6 riders.
