Robert Gesink and Sep Vanarmcke tried to surprise the sprinters Tuesday in the final metres of the fourth stage of the Tour de Suisse on the gently sloping arrival. Ultimately, it still went between the fast men.

Gesink ended up 10th in Schwarzenbach, Switzerland, and the Dutchman settled into 13th overall. Vanmarcke placed 18th on Tuesday.

Michael Matthews of Orica-Green Edge sprinted to victory as the Australian beat Peter Sagan (Saxo-Tinkoff), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and John Degenkolb (Giant -Alpecin).

“Today’s stage was pretty tough, a lot tougher than on paper,” Gesink said. “There’s a reason that a reduced peloton crossed the line here. 

“I came with speed from behind in the sprint, but when the pace lowered, I got boxed in on the turn. When the sprinters accelerated, I could not follow. I’m satisfied with my level so far, though. I felt good all day today. Hopefully it’s the same tomorrow,” Gesink said, ahead of the Wednesday’s queen stage.

Jan Boven
“It was a good day for us,” concluded Sports Director Jan Boven. “Robert was able to show himself in the final metres, and it was nice to see that Sep was there as well. He had struggled to survive the climbs in order to sprint. He had to dig deep, but that will make him better.

“Laurens ten Dam was hindered by a crash in front of him, but luckily that was in the final three kilometres. For Mike Teunissen and Tom Van Asbroeck, it was another tough day. They suffer every day and invest in themselves. That is mentally rather difficult.”

Terrible mountain
The fifth stage, a ride from Unterterzen/Flumserberg to Soelden, represents a significant executioner. After 237 kilometres, the pack will finish on the steep Rettenbachgletscher climb.

“It’s going to be a long and special day,” Boven said. “Laurens and Robert have already done the final climb in the 2007 Tour of Germany. It’s a terrible mountain with long stretches with a gradient of over 12 per cent. It won’t be about seconds tomorrow…”