Planet just shy of the top ten in 13th on the opening stage at Belgrade Banjaluka

Sports Director Gennady Mikhaylov:

“This opening stage was always going to be one for the pure sprinters so, there are no surprises with the result today. It was super-fast and short at 90 kilometers, like a criterium and our plan was to go all in for Charles and try to support him for the final.”

“The guys did very well, working together and keeping Charles at the front, out of trouble and ready to go when the sprint unfolded. It ended up being a bit of a strange final, because there was a bunch kick, but not for the stage for second place as there was one lone attack that gained just enough of a gap to take the stage win.”

“In the end I am pleased, because of the teamwork and spirit the guys showed today. They are in good condition and we feel confident of getting a good result on one of the upcoming stages.”

Charles Planet:

“Man! The guys were great today, chapeau really. Everyone looked after myself and Mehdi and held our position very strongly they kept us up there from the neutral zone to the last kilometer and I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t break the top ten, but I feel really good and the guys showed that we are working well as a unit.”

“There was no breakaway all stage and it was over in just over two hours, it’s not really a surprise how it unfolded, but it was very fast, and the last circuit was full of corners, pretty hectic. Declan did such a good job over the last two kilometers to keep me at the front. I was hoping for top ten, but I am looking forward to trying again tomorrow.”