Czech Cycling Tour: Ulissi takes stage and leads GC
Aug 14 2016 05:03 am CET
The third stage of the Czech Cycling Tour was won by Diego Ulissi of Lampre-Merida. The Italian also claimed the leader's jersey, finishing almost half a minute ahead of local rider Karel Hnik of Verva ActiveJet and Italian Davide Rebellin of CCC Sprandi Polowice.
It was a stage of 187.4 kilometers between the Czech cities of Mohelnice and Sternberk and was very suitable for the climbers. During the route, the riders had to ascend seven times, reaching an altitude of 792 meters.
The day started with a nine-man breakaway including Sjoerd Kouwenhoven of Metec, Jordi Simon of Verva-ActiveJet and Ludwig De Winter of Wallonie Bruxelles-Group Protect.
With 40 kilometers to go they were caught by a peloton that broke slowly during the last three climbs to the Ecce Homo. Ulissi got to the final part of the stage with Sebastian Langeveld of Cannondale-Drapac, Hnik and Rebellin, who could not keep up with the Italian's attack.
"The profile of the stage was very suitable for me and I achieved the top result thanks to my good legs and to the great performance by the whole team. The feelings with my team mates were perfect and it allowed me to be in the head of the race when in the approach of the climbs in the final part of the stage. We'll try to be competitive in the last stage too, in order to try to detain the leader jersey," said Ulissi.
Ulissi's teammate Manuele Mori got the fourth position ahead of Oscar Riesebeek of Metec.
General Classification (After Stage 3)
1- Diego Ulissi (LAM)
2- Sebastian Langeveld (CDT)
3- Davide Rebellin (CCC)
4- Karel Hnik (VAT)
5- Patrick Bevin (CDT)
