Although the 700-meter-long and 9.2 percent steep climb to the finish was the key point in the first stage of the Beseža bike ride, the scenario of events was still interesting long before that. In the second half of the distance, the group split up in strong crosswinds. There was a leader group of only about 25 athletes in front. Both our husbands – Toms Skujiņš and Krists Neilands – were also able to be there.
Toms Skujiņš was very visible in front of the group of leaders. Carnikavietis clearly worked on the team leader at this stage, Mads Pedersen. Unfortunately, but before the finish climb, the leader group was overtaken by the second group. It all came to a head on the final hill. Toms Skujiņš brought Pedersen to the best possible position, even though he was lagging behind the leaders.
Meanwhile, Krist Neiland, along with Dylan Tens and Igo Uli, were the only Israel Premier Tech drivers in the leader group. The leader of the Skujiņa team, Mads Pedersen, was the first to say his name among the favorites. The Dane won exactly this stage a year ago.
This time, his breakthrough was followed by the host Benoit Confrois (“AG2R Citroen”) and the 20-year-old Belgian Arno De Lee (“Lotto Dstny”). De Lee, who also became the winner of the stage, turned out to be a little faster in an exciting fight. He spent 3 hours 30 minutes and 35 seconds on the track. Pedersen has to settle for second place this time, while the top three with the same time as the winner went to Confrois.
Krista Neiland’s Belgian teammate Dylan Tens (+00:00:03) finished immediately behind the top three. Krist himself finished in 17th place, 8 seconds behind the winner. Toms Skujiņš did his job perfectly until the decisive climb, ranking in 70th position (+00:01:02).
On Thursday, the 169.6 kilometer long second stage awaits the cyclists. Although hilly, it will be suitable for sprinters. The competition will last until Sunday.
