Onley Stuns favorites with Stage Win at tour de Suisse
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In a dramatic turn of events at the Tour de Suisse, British cyclist Onley of Picnic PostNL seized victory in Stage 5, a challenging 183.8-kilometer race, concluding with a grueling five-kilometer climb. The young rider’s unexpected win has substantially altered the overall standings,setting the stage for a thrilling weekend finish.
Stage 5 Recap: A battle on the Swiss Slopes
The final five kilometers of Stage 5 proved decisive, with the steep climb testing the riders’ limits. Julian Alaphilippe, a pre-race favorite, struggled to maintain pace, eventually finishing seventh, 29 seconds behind the leading Vauquelin. Almeida from UAE Emirates, another strong contender, initially dropped back but recovered to finish second, employing a strategic pacing approach.
Did You Know? The Tour de Suisse is a key planning race for many riders ahead of the Tour de France.
Onley, showcasing remarkable resilience, managed to overtake Almeida in the final meters, securing his second career win and his most meaningful victory to date. “I didn’t expect anything like that I could do. I felt good,but it was extremely difficult against Almeida,” Onley admitted after the race.
Overall Standings: Vauquelin in the Lead
The results of Stage 5 have significantly impacted the overall standings. Vauquelin now leads with a time of 20:12:10, followed by Alaphilippe 29 seconds behind. Almeida sits in third place, 39 seconds back, while Onley’s impressive performance propelled him to fourth 1 minute and 21 seconds off the lead.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the time trial specialists as Sunday’s stage will heavily favor their strengths.
The upcoming stages promise further excitement. Friday offers a chance for elite sprinters like Pavel Bittner, while Saturday features a classic stage with two short climbs near the finish. The overall winner will likely be persistent on Sunday’s ten-kilometer time trial, which culminates in a steep hill climb.
| Tour de Suisse Stage 5 results |
|---|
| 1. Onley (Brit./Picnic PostNL) 4:33:28 |
| 2. almeida (Portug./UAE Emirates) same time |
| 3. Gall (Rak./Decathlon AG2R La mondiale) -23 |
| 4. Vauquelin (Fr./Arkรฉa-B&B Hotels) -57 |
| 5. Riccitello (USA/Israel-Premier Tech) -1:05 |
| 6. Van Wilder (Belg./Soudal Fast-Step) -1:14 |
| … |
| Overall Standings: |
| 1. Vauquelin 20:12:10 |
| 2. Alaphilippe (Fr./Tudor) -29 |
| 3. Almeida -39 |
| 4. Onley -1:21 |
Looking ahead: The Decisive Weekend
With the overall standings tightly contested, the final stages of the Tour de Suisse are poised to deliver thrilling competition. The sprinters will have their say on Friday, while the climbers will battle it out on Saturday. Though, all eyes are on Sunday’s time trial, where the ultimate champion will be crowned.
The Tour de Suisse: A Storied History
The tour de Suisse, established in 1933, is a prestigious stage race attracting top cyclists from around the globe.Known for its challenging terrain and scenic routes through the Swiss Alps, the race serves as a crucial test for riders preparing for the Tour de France. The race is part of the UCI World Tour, ensuring the participation of the world’s best cycling teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour de Suisse
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What is the significance of the Tour de Suisse in the cycling calendar?
The Tour de Suisse is a key preparation race for the Tour de France, providing riders with a challenging test of their form and fitness.
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how long is the tour de suisse?
The Tour de Suisse typically lasts for eight days, covering a variety of terrains and distances.
What are your predictions for the final stages of the Tour de Suisse? Who do you think will win the overall title?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!