Our team celebrated its fifth victory of the month.
Paul Magnier was again unstoppable in Slovakia – the country of our sponsor Janom – as he dashed to a third consecutive victory, this time in Banska Bystrica, where the race’s hardest stage so far came to a conclusion. It was a success that put Magnier in elite company, the Frenchman joining Tom Boonen, Mark Cavendish and Fernando Gaviria as the only riders to have won three consecutive stages in a race for The Wolfpack.
Five classified climbs, including a steep one and another one that came in the final ten kilometers, spiced up the third stage, but none of these many hurdles could stop Soudal Quick-Step, who was again on a mission Friday afternoon. After Josef Cerny, Federico Savino and Martin Svrcek nullified all the day’s attacks – including those that came in the last 30 kilometers – Andrea Raccagni, Yves Lampaert and Dries Van Gestel formed an extraordinary sprint train for the 21-year-old, who won by several bike lengths on the uphill finish, just like on the opening stage.
“It’s another amazing day for us. It was hard to control the race with that steep climb in the beginning, but the team did a perfect job and made sure of not letting too many guys at the front. After they reabsorbed the original breakaway, the guys then brought the late attacks and combined for another incredible lead-out.”
“I’m happy I could win again and increase my lead in the general classification. It’s for the second time in my career, after last year’s Tour of Britain, that I take three victories in a race, and I’m proud of this achievement, which wouldn’t have been possible without this incredible team”, said Paul, the first rider in 33 years to win three stages in a row at Okolo Slovenska.
Photo credit: ©Okolo Slovenska
