Team Novo Nordisk Conquers the Longest Stage in Slovakia

The second stage of the Tour of Slovakia kicked off in the historic city of Nitra. During the night a severe storm swept through the city, causing significant property damage. Fortunately, by morning, the weather had improved, allowing the stage to proceed as planned.

The 192-kilometer stage was the longest of the tour. Team Novo Nordisk faced significant challenges, navigating a route characterized by rolling hills and scenic landscapes. The stage concluded with a demanding climb, offering a picturesque finish in the enchanting surroundings of a castle park. This stage not only tested the cyclists’ endurance but also showcased Slovakia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

“Today’s stage was the longest of the tour. The peloton was active, and there was a fight for a breakaway from the beginning. Filippo Ridolfo also tried, but we didn’t manage to get into the breakaway of the day that formed early at the 20-kilometer mark. So, our focus shifted to conserving as much energy as possible for the tough stages ahead”, said sport director Massimo Podenzana.

“The route featured several short and steep climbs, adding to the challenge. The WT teams had the stage under control the whole time. The racing was active, and as the finish approached, the breakaway’s lead quickly decreased. Approximately 25 km before the finish, a rain shower with crosswinds hit the peloton, but fortunately, it didn’t last long, and the finish was dry. 10 km from the finish, the peloton was back together. Our guys did well to stay composed and conserve energy, keeping our strategy in mind for the upcoming challenges.”

As a first finisher for Team Novo Nordisk, Hamish Beadle said, “Today was a bit of a shock to the system, having not raced for a while, but it was nice to be back. Everyone did a good job keeping me safe, and I had Filippo and Umberto helping me for the final, which was really nice. I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t finish it off for the guys, though we have some more chances in the coming days.”

Photo credit: Sprint Cycling Agency