Dutch rider Pieter Weening delivered Roompot–Nederlandse Loterij’s first win of 2017 when he took the victory on the third stage of the Tour of Norway (2.HC) in Lillehammer yesterday. Thanks to his victory, Weening also takes over the GC lead in the five-day race.
“I just attacked at the right moment, and I’m really happy”, Weening said afterwards.
Coincidentally, Weening also won a stage of the Tour of Norway on the same date last year, before going on to win the race overall. “Is there something with this date? No, no, at all. Every day is good to win,” he responded when asked about the coincidence.
The battle for the stage win took place on the final climb of the day, the Kanthaugen, a 1st category climb of 2.5 kilometres in length and with an average gradient of 9.5%.
“I went on the counter attack after Sander Armée (Lotto-Soudal) with (Edvald) Boasson Hagen (Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) and Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott),” Weening said about the final. “Those two looked at each other in the group. With less than three kilometers I saw my chance, but it was still difficult with the wind. There were many fast riders, but I managed to finish it off.”
Weening goes into the final two stages with a slim lead over Armée, Boasson Hagen and Gerrans.
“Of course we will try to hold that position with the team. But the differences are small. Armée and Gerrans stand at six seconds, and Boasson Hagen at twelve seconds. There are two hard days, but everyone at Roompot-Nederlandse Loterij Lottery will do everything to bring this yellow jersey back to Holland. “
