While the race for the Tour de Suisse’s black points jersey had already been decided, the UCI World Champion, Peter Sagan, having already amassed an insurmountable points total, cemented by his win on yesterday’s stage, the individual time trial would allow some of the GC riders to make a final push to take some seconds in the overall race. For others it would be a gentle warming down after what had been an incredibly tough Tour de Suisse. At the end of the day, Peter took the points jersey home for the sixth time, after two stage wins in a race where BORA-hansgrohe’s teamwork shone through day after day.
After eight hard days in the saddle, from the tough to the downright painful, there were just 28.6km of the Tour de Suisse remaining at the beginning of today. Stage 9 was an individual time trial, and so the day would be fought by the time trial specialists and those riders looking to make up time in the overall standings. The course was fairly fast, with few turns to test the riders’ handling bike skills, and some quick times were possible. Once out of the streets of Schaffhausen, the roads opened up, allowing riders to stretch their legs and up the pace, but a climb towards the end of the route would break rhythms and also make the going harder for those who had already sacrificed themselves over the previous eight days.
Feeling the efforts of the past week, and having ridden so hard for the UCI World Champion, Peter Sagan, it was clear many of the team were tired. The pleasant weather conditions – sun with a little breeze – meant even those who weren’t riding hard could enjoy the day, while those who wanted to push themselves would have warm legs. After a solid performance earlier in the week in the opening stage’s time trial, BORA-hansgrohe’s Jan Bárta once again put in a good time, spending much of the day in the provisional top ten and eventually finishing the day in 23rd place, 1:48 down on the stage winner.
One of the later riders to go out, having started the day 13th in the GC, Patrick Konrad made his way onto the course, looking to draw back some seconds in the GC. The number of pure climbers in the top ten overall meant it was likely some would lose time today, and there was every chance of moving up a couple of places with a good time, but with many riders going out onto the course with the same goals in mind, there was no telling how the results would be affected. Finishing the day in 35th position, the Austrian rider held on to his 13th spot in the overall standings.
From the finish, after a hard effort today, Patrick Konrad had given his all – both today and on the other stages – in his ride in the GC contest. “It was a nice week of racing at the Tour de Suisse. It was actually the first one riding together with the UCI World Champion on the same team. I tried my best for the GC and gave my all every day, but today and two days ago at the summit finish, I felt my legs empty. I think my effort at the Giro took its toll on me. However, we can be happy with Peter’s two stage victories and points jersey, as well as a top-15 place in the GC.”
After yet another successful Tour de Suisse, where he took two stage victories, bringing his total in the race to fifteen, as well as the black points jersey for the sixth time, the UCI World Champion, Peter Sagan, looked back on his race. “It has been a good Tour de Suisse and I’m happy with my results and the team’s performance. I pulled on the points jersey and won two stages, bringing my total to fifteen, while the team put in a solid effort and showed great professionalism. I’m also satisfied with my form – I think my recent high altitude training camp was productive. This also gives me a good feeling ahead of the Tour de France. My focus will now turn to the Slovak National Championship next Sunday, which is always a complicate race, and then, of course, the Tour de France.”
Sports Director, Jan Valach, was pleased with BORA-hansgrohe’s performance at the race. “We can be happy with our performance at the Tour de Suisse. Peter got the points jersey for the sixth time, won two stages and took second in another one. Patrick Konrad showed a fighting spirit and was always with the GC contenders. He could have finished in the top ten or even better, but he is still a young rider and comes here after a strong effort at the Giro, so I think we should be more patient. The guys worked well, had strong legs and in my opinion, we are on the right track for the Tour de France.”
