David Dekker finishes on the podium of the 1st stage
On Tuesday in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, David Dekker took 3rd place in the first stage of the Région Pays de la Loire Tour.
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“It was a very nervous day with the wind. But in the end, it never got too close. In the final, the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team did a great job. The timing was perfect with Clément Venturini in the last two kilometres. In the last bend, we passed first and third. I think I waited a bit too long to launch my sprint because it came back from behind. I felt very strong today. I’m 3rd and I’m happy”.
“The aim on this first stage, with its flat finish, was not to lose any time in the general classification and also to position David Dekker for the sprint. Both objectives were met. Very well indeed. As far as David is concerned, I think he launched his sprint a little too late. He had the legs to win today. He was overtaken with 200 metres to go and he came back well but it was too late.”