Double stage opener in Slovakia for Team Novo Nordisk with Planet in the top 15

17 September 2020

Race: Okolo Slovenska

Start/Finish: Stage 1a & 1b – Zilina

Distance: 106.4km

Charles Planet

“It was a really fast opening stage today, hectic and the attacks for the breakaway came as soon as the flag dropped. Brian Kamstra did well, and he managed to get into one of the first moves, but unfortunately he crashed – he’s ok – but that was the end of that particular move.”

“At 100 kilometers it was a short stage with the time trial coming in the afternoon and we thought it might settle down a little, but it didn’t. It was full gas all the way and we worked hard to try and keep ourselves near the front.

“Going into the final the team gave me the opportunity to have a go in the sprint. I was a little bit far back to make the top ten, but I felt good, made up some ground on the rise to the finish and ended up crossing the line in the top 15.

“After so long not doing a time trial it felt pretty strange, but we all gave it our best on a fast course and we are looking forward to tomorrow now, which will be a very tough stage.”

Massimo Podenzana

“We expected a fast start this morning and we got it. The boys were ready, attentive and at the front and it was a shame that Brian hit the deck in the early break, but thankfully he’s ok – that’s the important thing.”

“Charles’ characteristics are well suited to a final of this type, fast, slight uphill to the finish and ideally, we wanted to position him a little better, but it was very hectic, and we were further back than we wanted.

“The boys still did a good job and I am pleased to see them working so well together and with tomorrow being a difficult stage at 200 kilometers and peppered with climbs we will look to come through in the best way possible.”