Kopecky salvages top 10 on chaotic stage 1 in Bulgaria 

The first road stage in the Tour of Bulgaria was an eventful one as the day’s only major climb had an impact on the peloton. With the early break up the road, Team Novo Nordisk tried to keep safe in the peloton. A crash on the descent split the peloton with riders finding themselves in various groups. Eventually, 3 riders survived out front and the peloton regrouped for a sprint for 4th position. The leader in the young rider competition, Matyas Kopecky continued his fine form, sprinting to a top 10 on the stage. 

Matyas Kopecky: 

“The breakaway went before the climb which came at 50 kilometers. The descent was pretty dangerous and I started it in the first five riders. There was a crash behind me and it split the group. Our guys worked really hard to bring things back together and we had a regroup of the race except for a few guys who remained out front from the break. In the end, we were sprinting for fourth place. We have no regrets and we will fight another day.” 

Head sports director Massimo Podenzana:

“The guys knew they needed to pay attention today, especially through some dangerous sections in the race where the road surface was a hazard. We came through that stage relatively ok and with another top 10 result so we can be happy. This is a long tour and I told the guys this will be a race of attrition so today was another box ticked for us. We have a young team here and it’s all about helping them develop into that next level of stage racing.”