Celebration in China, as Lionel Taminiaux has secured his first win for the team. Taminiaux was the fastest in the bunch sprint of the first stage of the Gree-Tour of Guangxi, also claiming the leader’s jersey.
The first stage in Guangxi—the final WorldTour race of the season, by the way—started and finished in Fangchenggang and was marked by an early breakaway of two riders. Only in the final stretch were they caught by the chasing peloton. In the expected bunch sprint, Lionel Taminiaux proved to be the fastest. Taminiaux, who has been with Lotto Dstny since the beginning of this year, claimed his first win for the team. He is also the first leader of the six-day race in China.
“I’m particularly happy to win this first stage here in Guangxi. The fact that it comes with the leader’s jersey makes the victory even sweeter. I was able to launch my sprint well. One rider was still ahead of me initially, but with 50 meters to go, I managed to come out of his wheel perfectly. I had plenty of space and stayed in front. I was here last year too, but then I finished fifth and sixth. I came here to do better, and I’ve succeeded right away.”
Stage 1 results
- Lionel Taminiaux (Lotto Dstny) 3:17:58
2.Gijs Van Hoecke (Intermarche Wanty) s.t
3.Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates) s.t
