Team Ampler-Tartu2024 started yesterday the Tour du Loir-et-Cher (UCI 2.2). It was a fast but relatively easy day and after 147km of racing it came down to a punch sprint. "It was a simple day with a narrow finish straight, positioning was vital and we didn't manage it today," commented our SD Jaan Kirsipuu after an unsuccesful race.
Boys were eager to do better today on the 197.5km long stage and Madis finished 8th of the day. "There was a strong six men breakaway in the front finally, there wasn't any good cooperation in the main field to chase them down. Our boys were a bit too passive as well. At least they gained some confidence and saw that a win with Madis is possible," commented team's SD Jaan Kirsipuu.
The French 2nd category tour continues tomorrow with the hardest final here and it can be decisive in terms of the general classifications. In total there are three stages to go.
The leader is at the moment today's stage winner Andreas Stokbro (Coop) from Denmark, he won the U23 Tour of Flanders in 2019 and was riding for the World Tour team Qhubeka the two past seasons. He is followed by Dutch rider Rick Ottema (Metec -Solarwatt) by only 1 second.
Madis Mihkels is 33rd in the GC at the moment.
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Madis sprinting for the 7th place at the head of the main field.