Alexander Kristoff, the resident from Stavanger, won an imperial sprint at home in the sixth and last stage of the Tour of Norway (2.Pro). The Norwegian rider brilliantly managed the serpentine final kilometers in his native city, before launching his sprint with 200 meter to go.
In this way, he rewards exemplary teamwork, which first enabled to control the gap to the early breakaway and then to close it during the final local lap containing the Grisabakken climb (700m at 7%).
The former European champion takes his second win in the Tour of Norway, his third of the season and the eleventh for the Belgian World Team. His teammate Laurens Huys finished in the same time and concludes the six days in seventh position in the final classification.
« The stage almost passed in front of my house today, I'm so happy to take the win here in Stavanger! I don't only know the final because the roads are familiar to me, but also because I already won a couple of times here. But last year I didn't manage to take the victory and that's why my happiness is even greater today. Because of a strong tailwind it was important to be early in the front. It was a tough battle for the right wheel. Especially Mads Pedersen and I fought side by side in the final hectometers. But in the end I was the fastest and I could conclude this race in the best way! »
Kjetil Birkedal Pedersen
« I'm very happy for Alexander Kristoff that he managed to win at home! He was really keen on this and the team was evenly motivated. I'm very proud on the work of all riders, they really had to work for this. We kept the gap to the breakaway under control. Simone Petilli rode all day in front before Julius Johansen closed the last gap in the final. With only five riders we managed to create the best circumstances for Alexander and he finished it off in style. » « I'm also pleased by the performance of Laurens Huys in the final classification. This young rider is in full development and showed a good level throughout the week, both uphill as in nervous stages. It is nice that he seized this opportunity to show himself and to join the group of young talents who break through in the colors of Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux. »
Kjetil Birkedal Pedersen
