German rider Max Walscheid rode himself onto the podium for Team Jayco AlUla with an impressive third place in good company on the third stage of the Renewi Tour.
Mixing it with the best in the bunch sprint to the line after a hard 185km stage, the 31-year-old took his sprint opportunity with both hands today. After team sprinter Dylan Groenewegen unfortunately had to abandon the race on day one, following a crash across the finish line where he fractured his collarbone, Walscheid was given the freedom to challenge for the sprint victory.
Walscheid, often a lead-out man for the Dutch rider, was able to test his speed against the rest, and after being set up well by his teammates after an eventual four rider breakaway group was caught inside five kilometres to go, the German powerhouse launched for the line and into third position behind Philipsen,
Max Walscheid:
“It was super good and a good effort by all the team today, they placed me very well into the last chicane. I got a little bit squeezed and that opened up a big gap, but I finally managed to close it, and I could sprint to third. It is a nice result to get after we had the bad luck on day one losing Dylan.”
Dave McPartland – Sport Director:
“It was really good, a good result today with Max third. We knew this finish well and we wanted to bounce back after losing Dylan two days ago. This is the best way for us to come back, take new opportunities and react to disappointment. Max had a good opportunity today, he has taken it with both arms and not only Max, but all the team has remained motivated, and they did a great job in the final there to deliver him into the sprint.”
Renewi Tour – stage 3 results:
1. Jonathan Milan 3:58:30
2. Jasper Philipsen ST
3. Max Walscheid (Team Jayco AlUla) ST
