Explosive fourth stage at Valenciana great experience for TNN youth

Despite repeated early efforts by Team Novo Nordisk there was to be no breakaway antics for them on stage four to the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana with the action coming late in the stage as a heavily reduced peloton contested an explosive stage win.

“We really wanted to get someone in the break again today,” said Sports Director Gennady Mikhaylov. “Our guys tried repeatedly, but the attack that got away went late and in the end it was only three riders.”

“It’s a young team we’ve brought here with a big focus on our neo-pros gaining experience and they’re definitely absorbing as much as possible and doing a good job along the way. The level here is very high as always and overall we’re happy with how the race has gone so far, tomorrow we will be all in for Matyas on the final stage and fingers crossed we can get a good result in the final in Valencia.”

First year professional Hamish Armitt has been improving day by day here in Spain and today’s stage saw the 22-year-old Glaswegian stay with the big guns until deep into the race with a strong ride that bodes well for the future.

“I felt really good today,” said Armitt. “I’ve been riding my way into the race and I managed to make the selection of around 70 riders on the main climb and then got caught out in the wind on the flat.”

“The pace never eased off all day and I spent too much energy getting back into the group then got distanced as it ramped up again towards the end. I’m learning so much every day and it’s only by racing at this level that you’re going to improve and develop, so pretty good so far.”