That was a wrap to our participation at the Czech Tour, and our guys did not miss the opportunity of showing the Academy’s flag. After several attempts it was Marten Kooistra who made it to the breakaway of the day alongside seven other riders. Being in the front for most of the day allowed the strong Dutchman to take the secret sprint of the day and visit the podium at the end of the stage.

In the lumpy final circuit our guys tried it over and over again. First it was Julius van fen Berg who jumped off the pack and joined the eight leaders. In the last climb of the day it was our British climber, Stevie Williams, who picked up the pace but couldn’t make a significant gap. At the finish line Williams took 17th with Jan Maas rolling in the same group and therefore securing his 17th place in GC.

Vasilis Anastopoulos feels satisfied with the job that the guys did during today’s stage:

“Riders rode aggressively today and they showed our colors. From the start Edo and Henrik attacked a lot to force a break to break clear and then marten joined the breakaway of the day. With 5 laps to go Julius attacked from the main pack and joined the break. He was brought back by the peloton with only 5 km remaining but it was a brave effort by him. Then, Stevie attacked at the top of the last climb but was soon caught by the bunch and even finished in top 20 at the final sprint. Jan finished also in the main bunch keeping his GC spot safe.”