Their gap never grows much beyond the 2min mark and the peloton starts to bring it down during the second part of the stage.
However the escapees actually do a good job, keeping a 20’’ advantage inside the last 5km of the stage!
Everyone is still too committed to chasing duties, but Aregger, Porsev and Jaser have decided to already position themselves at the front.
Most sprinters like Boivin, Itami or Rheinhardt are sit around 30-40th.
This lack of definition leads to a surprise attack from Amanuel who bravely tries to get in the mix of things! 3km to go.
The Eritrean can’t create a gap though, but the early escapees still have a slight advantage. Gonçalves tries a final acceleration!
Trains are finally emerging with one on the left: Stash Boivin Jaser Itami
In the vicinity of these are Rheinhardt Santos Korzh Porsev Contreras
Gonçalves attack was fruitless, but it seems to have worked in favour of his companions as the pack couldn’t catch them before the final sprint. Roux gets an early advantage! 700m to go!
Behind it’s Jaser is the first to open his sprint with Itami following suit. Porsev, Korzh and Contreras are doing the same further behind and seem fast. UBS has a number of riders protecting Schelling but who inadvertantly seem to be also blocking their sprinter, Rheinhardt.
These men quickly approach the better positioned trio of Itami Jaser and Boivin who has finally dispensed his leadout, but they all seem to have left it a bit too late.
The fight is up front between Roux and Forsby who has found a second wind and is now in prime position to take the stage!
But Roux had a final burst of energy to overtake the Swede and celebrate an unexpected victory today!
2nd for Forsby while Sessler takes the final podium spot.
Itami will again be disappointed to have missed on the stage win. The fastest of the pack only gives him 5th ahead of Boivin Jaser Porsev Korzh and Rheinhardt.
And that’s it for the Tour of Japan. A brilliant victory for George Bennett who also clinches the Points and Mountains classifications. Congratulations Xero Racing!
