(Montreal) After seeing their American teammate Tyler Stites (Human Powered Health) fall in battle on the first day of the Tour of Denmark, Pier-André Côté and Nickolas Zukowsky had to compose before the abandonment of Colin Joyce on Friday, he who is troubled by illness. The two Quebecers gave everything they had to help their teammate Arvid De Kleijn break into the top-20 of the fourth stage.
Posted at 4:03 p.m.
The cyclists had to complete three loops of a 7 kilometer circuit at the end of the day where an imposing climb was at the rendezvous. Côté and Zukowsky would have liked a better result for De Kleijn, but they are happy with the work done.
“The day didn’t go as we wanted, Arvid was very disappointed, but we did what we could. We are only five now, it is difficult to fight against the other teams. We try to spare our energies, we ride together as much as possible. We were a bit lacking in legs, but that’s part of the sport,” Côté said.
“It was a pretty quiet race today. We were expecting a massive sprint, we were going 100% for Arvid. In terms of the result, we would have hoped for more, the circuit was quite difficult and I think Arvid ran out of juice,” added Zukowsky.
After finishing their work as teammates, Côté and Zukowsky followed each other to the finish line, finishing 34 respectivelye and 35eat the same time as the winner.
“When we finish our work, we try to stay out of danger, it’s not worth taking risks to get a place in the top-20, for example in a mass sprint. We like to go there with caution, ”explained Côté.
For his part, Guillaume Boivin (Israel – Premier Tech) also finished in the leading group, in 43e rank.
Belgian Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceunick) won the final sprint to take stage four honors. He finished ahead of his compatriot Sasha Weemaes (Sport Vlaanderen – Baloise) and Briton Ethan Vernon (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl).
The last event to be contested on Saturday will certainly be thrilling according to Nickolas Zukowsky. The American Magnus Sheffield and the Frenchman Christophe Laporte are indeed tied at the top of the provisional general classification, which will certainly liven up the show.
“It could be super aggressive tomorrow! The standings are very tight and it’s a race that isn’t terribly long. Everyone is expecting fireworks, we’ll have to put all the gum, I can’t wait. There is a way to improve my ranking and I want to give everything I have,” concluded Zukowsky.