Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Mike Teunissen wins the first stage in the Tour of Norway. Dutchman from Intermarché-Circus-Wanty Dane Tobias Lund Andresen (DSM) and Belgian Jordi Meeus (BORA-hansgrohe) left behind. Ben Tollett (Eneos Grenadier) still leads the way.
Due to bad weather, the first stage in line was shortened from 207 to just 85 kilometres. The climb to Seljestadjuvet (18 km in 5.9%) was canceled as a result. The only categorized climb that remained was the climb to Bykleheivegen (3.5km at 7.4%), which was still 25km from it to the line at Hovden. However, from the start I went up about ten kilometers.
In the first ascending kilometers several attempts were made to form a leading group. A group of four, including Dutchman Tim van Dijk of Jumbo-Visma, appeared to get some space, but was caught later. When no breakaway formed at the top of the first climb, it seemed clear that the full peloton would begin the climb to Bykleheivegen.
Jumbo-Visma set the pace for this climb. Less than two kilometers from the summit, Germany’s Marco Brenner of the DSM attacked. He made a hole and went over the top first. Then, the 20-year-old rider was caught again by the weak peloton, with INEOS Grenadiers classification leader Ben Tollett taking the lead.
It remained calm in the peloton and allowed the riders to prepare for the group race. Bora-Hansgrohe geared up for a sprint in service of Meus, but Theunissen proved quicker and left Andersen and Meusse behind to take their first victory since winning the Tour de France stage in 2019. Theolet jersey was nowhere near in jeopardy.
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