Following on from his third place on the opening stage of the Arctic Race of Norway, Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon 18) has taken the win on today’s stage of the race, from Evenskjer to Setermoen.
A breakaway of 6 riders escaped in the first hour of racing, but they were never given much leeway by the peloton. The last of the escapees was reeled in with 15 kilometres remaining which set it up for a bunch sprint.
In the sprint to the line, Bennett proved fastest ahead of Frederico Zurlo (United Healthcare Pro Cycling) and yesterday’s winner Alexander Kristoff (Katusha).
Kristoff has retained the leader’s blue jersey with Edvald Boassen Hagen (MTN-Qhubeka) in second place, 2″ behind and Bennett in third, a further five seconds behind. The win is the Irishman’s first since May when he took two stage wins in Bayern Rundfahrt.
Stage Result
1. Sam BENNETT BORA-ARGON 18 03h 41′ 05”
2. Frederico ITAZURLO UNITEDHEALTHCARE 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
3. Alexander NORKRISTOFF TEAM KATUSHA 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
4. Michael SVKKOLAR TINKOFF-SAXO 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
5. Daniel MCLAY BRETAGNE – SECHE ENVIRONNEMENT 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
6. Floris NEDGERTS BMC RACING TEAM 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
7. Arman KAZKAMYSHEV ASTANA PRO TEAM 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
8. Michael VAN STAEYEN COFIDIS, SOLUTIONS CREDITS 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
9. Sondre Holst NORENGER IAM CYCLING 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
10. Oscar NORLANDA TEAM COOP-OSTER HUS 03h 41′ 05” + 00′ 00”
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