Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Paul Martens finished third in the fourth stage of the Tour of Norway today. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) won the stage and Peter Weening (Team Roompot) kept his overall lead.

An early escape of seven men marked the 174-kilometer stage to Eggemoen. They gained more than seven minutes but saw their difference slowly whittled down over the tricky final circuit.

Hard stage

"The day started off nicely but ended up with rain," Sports Director Merijn Zeeman explained. "It was a classic stage that ended on a local circuit at an airport with a difficult climb. We had a go for Paul and worked for him in the final. The breakaway was very strong and the guys really had to work very hard. Only on the last climb, we caught up with them. Only six riders could manage the high pace on the final climb. Paul was with them. Boasson Hagen won the sprint and Paul took third. It was a nice reward for him and good for his confidence after a difficult spring."

Mindset

"This is really good for me because I did not have the best spring season," said Martens. "I was far below my normal level. Then it is nice when you can once again sprint to victory. Well Boasson Hagen is faster, but I have a good mindset."

Strong Norwegians 

The race in Norway highlighted the strong local cyclists. “There are many strong riders racing," Martens said. "It's not that you're here and just pick up a victory or pull away in a break. We don’t know the riders yet but we will. This race is the Tour de France for the Norwegians. They are all in shape. Today, everyone in the team contributed a bit to my podium. It feels good that they worked so hard for me."

Tomorrow is a flat sprinters’ stage in the Tour of Norway. Martens said the team would work for Tom Asbroeck.