The German remained in the overall lead, after another top 10, this time in Ziar nad Hronom.
Packing four classified climbs and plenty of rugged terrain in between, stage 3 of the Tour of Slovakia was a nervous affair from the very outset, with attacks coming on the first ascent from those trailing Jannik Steimle in the general classification. Our rider easily matched the pace, but the real challenge of the day came on the descent, where the yellow jersey punctured.
The alarms sounded off and Ian Garrison, Alvaro Hodeg and Mauri Vansevenant immediately dropped out from the bunch and waited for Jannik, engaging in a mad pursuit as soon as the 24-year-old linked up with them. The three-minute gap was erased by the strong Wolfpack, who bridged across in the valley to Cervena Studna and brought the overall leader at the front, in the process taking charge of the race and setting the tempo behind the escapees.
Unsurprisingly, more moves came on the last ascent of the day, just as our team was reeling in the breakaway, but they were all reabsorbed on the short descent. Deceuninck – Quick-Step – who leads the team classification at the four-day race – continued to keep everything together ahead of the steep finish in Ziar nad Hronom. Martin Laas (Bora-hasngrohe) surged to victory there, while Jannik Steimle’s fifth place was enough to help him retain the yellow jersey with one day to go.
“It was a really tough stage. Some teams tried to drop us on the first climb and go for the intermediate sprint, but we kept everything under control. Then I had a puncture on the descent, but fortunately Mauri, Ian and Alvaro were there and helped me make it back to the peloton. Without this unbelievable team, to whom I want to say a big thanks, I wouldn’t have the yellow jersey on my shoulders today and it’s their incredible work and commitment that motivates me for the final stage”, Jannik said at the end of Friday’s hectic stage.
Photo credit: ©Igor Stancik / Jan Melicher
