Paris-Nice, one of the few sporting events going ahead featured it’s longest stage from Gannant to La Cote-Saint-Andre across 212km. 

Stage five started with attacks early on, and a breakaway formed of four riders 8km into the stage including our Jan Tratnik. The break had a gap of around 7′ at one point which was cut to 5’30.” with 100km left to race as the peloton increased the speed. With 20km left to race, the break’s advantage had been narrowed to around a minute with only two riders left, including Tratnik. With 7km remaining, Tratnik pulled clear and went for the line but was unfortunately caught by the bunch sprint 25m from the line. It was Niccolò Bonifazio (Total Direct Energie) who took the sprint win, with our Iván Cortina being the runner up following yesterday’s win.

Jan Tratnik was disappointed but optimistic; “It was the longest stage, and I knew if I waited in the bunch, I wouldn’t get a chance to win. I took my chance in a breakaway, and my legs were really good. I collaborated with the guys in the breakaway really well and in the last 30-40 km to go, I increased the speed. I gave my all and attacked even more, but in the end, I missed a stage win by 30 meters. I am really disappointed. I will take this as an experience, and hopefully, a win will come soon”.

Dylan Teuns was pleased to get over the line without losing time in the GC; “Today was a long day in the saddle, and it was good for me that I came safe over the line, were I even earned one second. I’m sad for us and that Jan didn’t take the victory. I am looking forward to the next stages”.

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