Fox Valley – Sheffield, Sunday April 30th 2017 – Serge Pauwels took his first pro victory at the end of a gruelling stage. The Belgian opened up a gap on the last few climbs and crossed the finish line ahead of Dimension Data teammate Omar Fraile. Pauwels also won the third edition of the Tour de Yorkshire.
QUOTE FROM STAGE WINNER
“I can’t believe it. This is my first professional victory and I am a little surprised with myself because usually I prefer longer climbs. Today’s stage lent itself to a really explosive rider and there were no moments of respite. I want to highlight all the work of my team, especially that of Bernhard Eisel, and of course, the presence of Omar Fraile in the final helped me a lot. This stage is comparable to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with perhaps even more people on the roadside. The crowds were incredible. This winter my team wanted me to take part in the Tour de Romandie but I asked to do the Tour of Yorkshire because the atmosphere here is amazing”.
STAGE RESULT
1. Serge Pauwels (Team Dimension Data) 194,5 km en 4h55’47’’
2. Omar Fraile (Team Dimension Data) s.t
3. Jonathan Hivert (Direct Energie) at 6’’
