Smith impresses on Queen stage in Taiwan

First year professional Nathan Smith produced another quietly impressive display for Team Novo Nordisk on the tough Queen Stage at the Tour de Taiwan, finishing only one minute behind the leaders on the punishing final climb.

Head sports director Massimo Podenzana:

“Nathan is doing very well, in fact all four of our neo pros have started the season in a good manner, but we keep seeing small progressions from Nathan in every race he takes part in and today was a good performance from him.”

“Both and Nathan and Doriand have been fulfilling their tasks as teammates over the last few stages, but today Nathan showed that he can also ride for himself when he’s feeling good and got some freedom to try to take the opportunity. It’s always good to see a new generation coming through and when you have young guys who are hungry and also willing to listen and learn, it’s even better.”

Nathan Smith:

“I’m a little frustrated with how but went today, because I had really good legs and made the front group over the top of the climb, but then missed the split that went to the line. I was probably sitting a little too far back in the group when the move went, but it’s another good lesson learned.”

“I feel I’ve been riding well this week and getting stronger everyday and it’s good to be able to see some gains from racing harder at a higher level since the start of the season. I’m learning a lot from the senior pros like Andrea and David and we’ll be looking to try and set Andrea up for the sprint on tomorrow’s final stage.”