Tsatevich continues great showing in Haut Var
"Finally, we joined the front group with 5km to go and the guys helped him in the sprint, but Alexey missed some energy in the finish. He is 6th in GC and this is a good result."
Photo: Katusha / Tim de Waele
ALEXEI TSATEVICH
The Russian rider of Team Katusha Alexey Tsatevich took 6th place in the final general classification of the Tour Cycliste International du Haut Var-Matin in France. The second and the last stage of the race was held around Draguignan (194,7 km).
The attacks from the peloton started from the first kilometers; however the breakaway of the day was only formed after 60 km of racing. The break consisted of 9 riders, including Katusha's Maxim Belkov. The advantage of the break reached 2 minutes and with 20 km to go it was neutralized completely.
On the last climb, a group of 30 leaders was formed after a number of attacks. This group decided the stage victory in a sprint, won by Luka Mezgec from Giant – Alpecin. Second place went to Philippe Gilbert from BMC, while Baptiste Planckaert from Roubaix Lille Métropole completed the daily podium with 3rd place. Team Katusha's Alexey Tsatevich was 10th.
"Today, we worked for Alexey Tsatevich as we wanted to help him in the sprint. Maxim Belkov did a good race, protecting the team's interests in a breakaway. Later when the break was caught, there were a lot of attacks on the final climb, so the peloton was split in parts. Alexey Tsatevich tried to stay in front, but missed just a little. So supported by the team he had to chase the leaders. Finally, we joined the front group with 5km to go and the guys helped him in the sprint, but Alexey missed some energy in the finish. He is 6th in GC and this is a good result," said Team Katusha sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.
Yesterday's stage winner Ben Gastauer from AG2R La Mondiale took the overall win in the race with Gilbert in second place and Jonathan Hivert from Bretagne – Séché Environnement in third. Both lost 7 seconds to the winner, just like Alexey Tsatevich.
Jennifer DUCUARA
Mathieu DROUILLY
Victor BROEX
Gerry DRUYTS