June 4/11 0:14 am - Coupe des Nations – Ville de Saguenay: Stage 2

Posted by Editoress on 06/4/11
 

Results from stage 2 of the Coupe des Nations – Ville de Saguenay

Three members of Denmark's team finished in the top-5 of the Coupe des Nations - Ville de Saguenay's second stage. Hansen Lasse Norman, Christopher Juul- Jensen and Sebastian Lander dominated the standings, with first, fourth and fifth spot. Frenchman Guillaume Bonnet and Italian Leonardi Gianluca took the second and third steps on the podium.  In addition to winning the 148.4 kilometre stage, Lasse Norman took over the yellow leader's jersey, as well as the white jersey of Best Young Rider.

"It was very difficult. At 400 metres to the finish, I was fourth and last in the leading group. But I was able to come back and be the first to cross the line. I was lucky," said the Danish U23 National champion.

"It is my most important victory after the Juniors Worlds' individual pursuit [title]" added the athlete, who usually focuses on the track, with a goal of the Olympic qualifications for the London Games.

Armands Becis, from Latvia, successfully defended his green jersey of Best Sprinter, while the French rider Warren Barguil claimed the polka dot jersey of Best Climber.

The 66 participants had a fast start to the stage, with multiple attacks coming immediately. A few breakaways managed to gain a little time, but all of them were caught by the fast moving peloton. On the third of seven laps, four riders finally managed to break clear, and were joined by 12 others, who counter-attacked the peloton and joined the leaders by the end of the fourth lap.

A cat-and-mouse game began in the leading group, with many groups attempting to jump away. In this incessant back and forth movement, a few of the riders became exhausted and dropped off the front group. On the sixth lap, four riders eventually managed to break free of the lead group and head towards victory.

Racing resumes on Saturday in Kénogami, with a 141 kilometre road stage.

Quote from Team Canada Head Coach, Vincent Jourdain

“As predicted, the race was pretty hard. The attacks started really early. The guys started really well with David Boily and Simon Lambert-Lemay in the first attack. Then Hugo Houle found himself in the second attack, the one that proved to be decisive. Unfortunately for us, Hugo was the only Canadian rider in the attack and was not able to keep up with the French and the Danish teams, which had 2 or 3 riders in the break. Hugo did an extraordinary job to stay in front. He deserves the recognition.”