Armitt finding his place in the peloton again in Slovakia

Young Scottish talent Hamish Armitt hasn’t had an easy ride in 2026 — early season crashes causing a long lay-off from racing for Team Novo Nordisk — but the 24-year-old is finally back and starting to find his rhythm on the demanding climbs of Okolo Slovenska.

The third stage was the longest of the race so far at 195km, running from Tvrdošín to Dohňany with five categorised climbs packed into a relentless profile. The key ascent of the day was Kohútka — 6.2km at 6.8% — positioned just over 20km from the finish and the point where the race truly came alive. It took over 40km for the breakaway to form, but once it did it was significant, with nine riders going clear to build a lead that proved decisive in shaping the day’s outcome.

The eventual stage winner Lennert van Eetvelt (LOI) would come from that group, one of four riders who just managed to hold on as the peloton surged behind over the final kilometers. Armitt finished within the front split of the peloton, close to two minutes ahead of the rest of the race — a very encouraging sign for a rider still rebuilding after a difficult season.

“I’m happy to be back on the start line,” said Armitt. “After not racing for almost six months and having surgery on my hip three months ago, I didn’t even think I would get to race this season — so this is just a real bonus.”

The return to racing has come after an intense period of rehabilitation, with the young Scot taking each day as it comes. “Rehab and physio went super well and I was able to get back into shape to be able to race here at Okolo Slovenska,” he said. “I haven’t done any big efforts yet in training so my form was an unknown coming into this race — and to be up there today was a big step in the right direction.”

Looking ahead with quiet determination, Armitt is focused on building steadily rather than rushing back. “I’m just trying to build on each stage and get the experience I still feel like I need — the legs will come,” he said. “A lot of work to do, but with patience and going step by step I’m sure I can get there and set myself up for the 2027 season.”

With two stages remaining — including Sunday’s summit finish on Králová Hoľa — the team will be looking to build on today’s encouraging signs as the race enters its decisive finale.