Team Novo Nordisk keep four within reach after opening prologue at the Tour of Rhodes

Sport Director Gennady Mikhaylov:

“The course cried out for a big explosive rider today, it was short and almost pan flat and we knew that it didn’t really suit our guys, but I am really happy with how they went. To come away with four guys (Brand, Irvine, Kamstra and Planet) within 11 seconds is good, it gives us some options and something positive to start with.”

“The conditions were pretty ok to be fair, the wind was the same for everyone, headwind on the way out and tailwind on the way back in and it was just one short effort at full gas, so we couldn’t ask anything more of the guys today. Now we look ahead to tomorrow, it will be a tough stage, hilly and with what looks like a fast finish.”

Declan Irvine:

“The prologue today was what we expected, short and super-fast, it was over before it started really. I was empty when I crossed the line and happy that it was finished to be honest, but we did a good job and to keep four guys close together at 11 seconds is great.”

“I’m actually feeling really good for this stage of the season, I didn’t race last year, started 2021 at GP Larciano and had a really good block of training at home in Spain with the Girona chain gang (More on that later) so I’m feeling good going into the stage race proper tomorrow.

“It’s going to be a hard stage with plenty of climbing, so we want to make sure we’re in a good position on the ascents and keeping Charles protected and in good shape for the finish. He’s currently at nine seconds so we’ll try our best to move him up tomorrow and take it from there.”