The last stage in the Czech Cycling Tour between Olomouc and Dolany was a short but intense one. Just 157 kilometers on an undulating parcours offered different opportunities to make a difference. With just 7 seconds back in the GC, Jan Bárta tried to step on the top spot of the podium on this last day. But Jan couldn’t surprise J. Cerny in the intermediate sprints and had to settle for second place in his home race. While BORA – hansgrohe was yet again in control of the stage, bringing back a 11-rider breakaway, including Juraj Sagan, to lead-out Sam Bennett in a bunch sprint. For the second time, nobody could match Bennett’s speed, who took a confident second stage win.
“We tried to get some seconds in the intermediate sprints with Jan, but that dindn’t work out. Juraj was in the break then, and we have been in control of the race. When he was caught on the last lap in Dolany, Erik and Pascal prepared the sprint for Sam, who took his second stage win. In the GC Jan and Silvio remained their second and fourth place, we also won the team classification. I am really happy with the results in this race.” – Jan Valach, Sports Director
