:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/mentormedier/3QU5I7IUJND43KVURI7CCTC5JQ.jpg "The strongest Zana in jersey the champion of Italy – Leknessund takes 8th place – Dagsavisen")
Zana decides to duel Thibaut Pinot. Both reach the goal alone. Zana secured the home win to a roaring cheer at Val di Zoldo, in the jersey of the Italian champions.
The terrain is traversed by a 161-kilometer stage with several quite heavy climbs.
Andreas Leknessund (DSM) was active from the start, but did not secure a place in the decisive break. He entered as the 16th man and placed 8th in the summary. He was 4.47 minutes ahead of leader Geraint Thomas, Great Britain (Ineos)
After only a few miles of flat terrain, the field entered its first formidable mountain. There, high speed was set, and suddenly Leknessund launched an unexpected attack.
Tromsøværing tried to increase the lead to five men to take the lead, but the overall favorites and their team reacted decisively when the DSM riders picked up the pace. The hatch to Leknessund was never particularly large, but closed relatively quickly, a clear signal that no large guns wanted the Norwegians to join the breach.
– I must say it was amazing and a bit unexpected. “I could hardly believe my eyes when he suddenly ran to the sidelines and ran away,” said Eurosport commentator Andreas Staune-Mittet.
– Simply put, it’s a bit of non-traditional Grand Tour cycling, but I really like it. Leknessund is of the offensive type, says colleague Theis Magelssen.
The race ends on Sunday.
[ Almeida tok sin første etappeseier da Leknessund måtte slippe de beste ]
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