Greece
International Tour of Rhodes
16 Mar - 19 Mar 2023
TEAM Development Team
STAGES 3
TEAM Development Team STAGES 3
After a near career ending crash while training last year Frenchman Charles Planet is continuing his return to racing and rehabilitation with the Team Novo Nordisk development team at the International Tour of Rhodes.
It’s obviously working, as the day after a heavy storm cancelled the prologue, Planet blew off the cobwebs with ninth place in the sprint on stage 1.
Development Team General Manager Daniel Holt:
“Yesterday’s uphill prologue was cancelled due to heavy storms, so today’s race was likely to be tough with no control.”
“I told Charles, Sacha, and Doriand to look for the early break, hoping that the group would let them have several minutes’ gap before the first big climb, about 40km into the race. However, that didn’t come to fruition, and it turned into a slugfest up the climb. The race ended in a 50-rider field sprint, with Charles getting a top 10 finish. Chapeau!”
Development Team General Manager Daniel Holt:
“The stage featured over 2,000 meters of climbing and no significant time gaps from yesterday, so we knew it would be challenging all day. Everyone should try to hide as much as possible, see how they can perform over the climb, and hopefully have good legs for the finale.”
“Charles was the one who made it over the big climbs. Unfortunately, he was caught in a crash and injured his ribs, but he managed to make it back to the front group. He had a good position for the sprint, but another crash delayed him.”
“Quinten was great today. He almost made it into the front group over the big climb. Super happy with his performance.”
Development team General Manager Daniel Holt:
“Th toughest stage was definitely saved for last, with 2,600m of climbing on the menu and and strong wind whipping around the island it was our objective just to make it through.
The race blew to shreds on the first climb just 40km into the 150km stage. Charles was doing well to sit in the bunch, but the previous days crash caught up with him and alongside Doriand & Quinten tried to hang on as long as possible. Tough week in the saddle and more experience gained.”