Ridolfo digs deep for top 20 on queen stage in Denmark

This year’s Tour of Denmark is turning into a redemptive race for Italian rouleur Filippo Ridolfo, with the Team Novo Nordisk rider growing into his leadership role to achieve his best result of the race so far on the demanding queen stage into Vejle.

The third stage is one that traditionally delivers the race’s toughest test, with rolling terrain building towards a succession of short, steep climbs in and around Vejle capable of splitting even the strongest pelotons.  The 202.9km route from Fredericia carried nearly 2,500 metres of elevation gain  and was made all the more demanding by persistent rain throughout — wet, slippery descents following each punchy climb and the constant risk of going down with every touch of the brake lever.

The pattern was familiar: four riders formed the day’s breakaway before the race was controlled by the peloton, which fractured dramatically on the closing circuits in Vejle as attacks flew from the favourites’ group.  It was a day that demanded both strength and composure in equal measure.

“First half of the stage I felt really good — light, focused and trying to avoid any trouble,” said Ridolfo. “It rained most of the stage, not heavy but constant, and the corners were taken with less risk than normal. There was one fairly big crash, but fortunately it was behind me.”

The pace increased sharply on the opening circuit and Ridolfo was forced to dig deep to stay in contention. “The first circuit the pace increased significantly and I really started to feel it,” he said. “I had to go deep to stay in the group on the last lap — it was a case of ‘when is it going to end?’ But yes, now it feels good. Top 20 in Vejle is great for me. I know I can do well on these punchy stages, but the difference between knowing it, believing it and then doing it — sometimes that gap is quite big.”

With two flat stages remaining, tomorrow’s 172.5km stage four runs from Rudkøbing to Faaborg  — a day likely to suit the sprinters and give the team another opportunity to animate the race before Sunday’s finale in Rødovre.