Fast Pace and Uphill Finish Challenge Team Novo Nordisk at Stage 4 of the Tour of Hainan

Stage 3 of the Tour of Hainan covered 132km with a fast pace and a tough uphill finish. Despite efforts to get into breakaways, the speed and fatigue from previous days made it difficult for the team to place well.

After a solid race, Belgian rider Quinten De Graeve reflected on the day’s events.

“Today was a short flat stage with an uphill finish. We went full gas from the start, but it was hard for a break to stick.” – De Graeve started – “Bailey [McDonald] joined the bigger groups, but the bunch kept chasing. I focused on smaller moves, but with the speed, it was a lottery to make the break. After halfway, a group went clear, and we did our best to support David [Lozano] on the uphill finish.”

Bailey McDonald managed to join the first two small breakaways and had an overall very positive performance. “Nice to be active in the race today, haven’t been feeling the best in the first few days but finally felt more myself so was nice to contribute to the race.”

After the first stage’s breakaway, Frenchman Lucas Dauge gave it his best effort to repeat on today’s race. “The stage was really fast. I tried to get into the breakaway, but it only went in the last hour. On the final climb, we gave what we could, but the previous days took their toll.” – Dauge.

The team remains committed, learning from every stage as the race continues. One final stage remains for Team Novo Nordisk to chase a result.