Groenewegen sprints to 3rd in the Tour of Britain
Dylan Groenewegen finished third in the short stage, number seven, of the Tour of Britain today. Rohan Dennis (BMC) won the 90-kilometres stage in Bristol. Groenewegen was beaten by Max Richeze (Etixx - Quickstep) in the sprint. Stephen Cummings (Dimension Data) maintained his overall lead with one day left.
It was a long day for the riders in the Tour of Britain because it began with a 15-kilometre time trial in the morning. Tony Martin (Etixx - Quickstep) won. Two hours later, stage 7B ran on the same road. From the start a group with André Greipel (Lotto - Soudal) broke away. They were caught, but Dennis attacked and won.
"It was a good achievement by Dylan Groenewegen," said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. "In the morning, everyone saw in the time trial how difficult this circuit was. We doubted then whether Dylan would be in the finale or be able to sprint. He is still a young rider in full development.
“The top of the climb was two kilometres from the finish, 7% and one kilometre long. When Dennis and Dumoulin attack, you know it is going be very hard."
Impressive
Groenewegen’s team-mates were impressed with his ride and third place. They did not have chase because Team Sky did so, so they saved their legs for another sprint opportunity tomorrow.
Groenewegen said, "I tried to survive that hard climb every time we passed it on the circuit and to concentrate on the final sprint. When the leading group was brought back, I knew the favourites would attack. Dennis got away, but on top of the climb, I still hung in there. I caught my breath and readied for the sprint, but Richeze got me.”
Tomorrow the Tour of Britain ends with a criterium in London. Again, Team LottoNL-Jumbo will take the chance to sprint for Groenewegen.
