Chris Juul-Jensen (Mitchelon-Scott) attacked from the breakaway to solo to victory on yesterday’s fourth stage of the Tour de Suisse finishing 8″ ahead of Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) and Yves Lampaerts (Quick Step Floors). It was his first victory since the 2015 Tour of Denmark.
The riders faced heavy rain on the 189-kilometre stage from Gansingen to Gstaad and the break of the day went clear soon after the start. In addition to Juul-Jensen, also making it into the break were Silvan Dillier (AG2R La Mondiale), Nans Peters (AG2R La Mondiale), Nathan Brown (EF Education First-Drapac), Mark Christian (Aqua Blue Sport), Paul Ourselin (Direct Energie) and for a short time Sho Hatsuyama (Nippo-Vini Fantini) who was soon caught by the bunch.
Their lead quickly rose to six minutes before BMC Racing started to work to defend Stefan Kung’s yellow jersey. Coming to the final climb, it looked like the bunch would reel in the leaders. However, Nans Peters jumped clear and only Juul-Jensen could follow. Peters distanced Juul-Jensen but the 28 year-old Dane fought back to his wheel and took advantage of Peters’ nervousness on the wet corners and got a gap with three kilometres remaining.
As Juul-Jensen entered the finish at Gstaad airfield. it was touch and go as to whether he would be caught by the closing bunch, but he maintained his lead to claim the victory.
The general classification remains unchanged with Stefan Küng maintaining a 3″ lead over his BMC Racing team-mates Greg Van Avermaet and Richie Porte.
