Saturday's great Danish cycling show was decided by a spectacular final in Vejle when Frenchman Christophe Laporte won the PostNord Danmark Rundt in the very last meters.
It was a great race beforehand, with plenty of attack and aggression, both on today's stage and in the race as a whole.
In the shadow of the Frenchman stands the disappointed Dane Mattias Skjelmose who wanted to win the race, but after today's stage has to settle for third place.
OVERALL TOP FIVE IN THE POSTNORD DANMARK RUNDT
- Christophe Laporte (Jumbo)
- Magnus Sheffield (Ineos) 4s.
- Matthias Skjelmose (Uno X) 9s.
- Søren Krag Andersen (DSM) 25 sec.
- Magnus Kort (EF) 30s.
The Frenchman rode through the storm and won
Just seconds into today's stage, the grand drama of Saturday's final climb unfolded between the leading riders. As in the best Tour de France tradition: https://www.cyclingworld.dk/tour-de-france-spaendingen-paa-de-afgoerende-etaper/.
We achieved this to a certain extent, reckons Brian Nygaard, and it was also a good end to this year's PostNord Danmark Rundt. Even if the plans of the favorites were delayed.
- It got really interesting at the very end, although perhaps a little neutralized along the way because the favorites were well aware of what needed to be decided the last time they approached Kiddesway.
- At as high a pace as it was, it's also extremely difficult to get away with, especially on the track. It was a good cycling race.
But when Frenchman Christophe Laporte got off the saddle, pedaled and started the sprint, his rivals couldn't keep up with his wheels and so he was the deserved winner.
- It was almost like a tornado when the storm started," said Brian Nygard.
- Laporte won with absolute surgical precision and took the overall win. It was obvious he was the strongest. Sheffield couldn't even keep up with him.
THE TOP FIVE ON STAGE 5
- Christophe Laporte (Jumbo)
- Magnus Sheffield (Ineos)
- Mattias Skjelmose (Hike)
- Jonathan Narvaez (Ineos)
- Mauro Schmid (Quick Step)
The Danes came up just short of the last one...
Immediately after French rider, Jumo Visma came to American Magnus Sheffield.
Then the Dane Matthias Skjelmose crossed the finish line in third place, which was definitely approved, estimated Brian Nygaard.
- He wasn't happy himself, and on the last lap sat far behind. But he still got off the podium. If he had lost it, the conversation would have been different," says the cycling expert.
It wasn't his legs, however, that stopped Mattias Skjelmose from taking the overall victory.
On the other hand, a position too far back at the end of the field when the riders hit the final landing proved fatal for him.
- He entered Kiddesway a little wrong. If you lose a few places when you enter Kiddesway, there are completely other holes to close instead of being able to attack," said Brian Nygard.
... But the future is bright
Although it didn't end the way the 21-year-old Trek Segafredo rider wanted it to, he should be very pleased with his performance in the PostNord Danmark Rundt, believes Brian Naigaard.
- He is still very young and this season has been a big breakthrough for him, especially the last month. He has quickly gained a few levels. When he puts the disappointment behind him, he will definitely learn something. "He's an amazing rider because he's quite versatile," says Brian Naigaard.
But Brian Nygaard doesn't know if the Dane will be able to reach the top step of the podium in the Danish cycling race next year. As the overall level at PostNord Danmark has increased considerably, assesses Rundt.
- This is the strongest field we have seen. If the level remains the same next year, we have to say that it has become even harder to win the cycling race, says the cycling expert.
Although there is still a long way to go, he is already looking forward to seeing the field rolling out onto the Danish roads again.
- The fact that the race has gained some prestige bodes well. I also hope that next year we will see some of the big names and top Danes," says Brian Nygaard.
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