Team Novo Nordisk wrap up positive Region pays de la Loire Tour

Team Novo Nordisk concluded four days of fantastic racing at the Region pays de la Loire Tour today with an strong team performance and Czech starlet Matyas Kopecky 13th in the final sprint.

Four top 15 placings, 15th over all, two days in the white young rider jersey and second overall in the youth classification capped a good week for Kopecky and the team, with the all the guys deserving of applause after some moral boosting performances.

“The guys worked tirelessly and selflessly in support of Matyas throughou the race,” said Head Sports Director Massimo Podenzana. “They were organized, rode with discipline and from the first kilometers with Declan setting the tone by getting into the race’s first breakaway.”

“Our objective was the top ten, both stages and overall and we came very very, close only a few seconds out on GC and with the leaders every stage in the final. We’re starting to see a really good understanding developing between Andrea and Matyas, a nice blend of youth and experience and it’s great to see a partnership blossoming in real time.”

After some fatigue had started to set in on the spiky final laps on stage three, Kopecky again felt the burning muscles as the attacks started fly on the Le Mans circuits at the end of todays stage.

“I was feeling fine all day,” said Kopecky. “It was super easy and controlled, even the first couple of laps, but even at the slower pace you could tell the climb was steep and as the group reduced and the attacks started to come, I knew I didn’t have the legs.”

“I was kind of holding out a slight hope that some other teams may be able to bring the larders back, but it didn’t happen and we finished a few seconds back. Even without the top ten, we’re happy with how we’ve raced here. It’s a busy period we’re in and it feels great to be putting a string of results together and now I’ve worn a white youth jersey again it’s making me hungry for one of my own!”

Photo credits: @cassandradonne