Peron Sprints to 15th on Stage 2 of Tour of China I

10 September 2016

Race: Tour of China I, stage 2

Start/Finish: Weichang / Fengning, China

Distance: 157.8 kilometers

Fengning, China — Teams were on the attack during Saturday’s stage 2 of the Tour of China I, but despite several small breakaways, Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec controlled the stage, looking for another stage win for Marco Benfatto; and it was all back together with 30km to go.

“We had all of our riders at the front,” said Team Novo Nordisk Sport Director Pavel Cherkasov, “but crosswinds threatened to break up the peloton. The squad was committed to working together, and as the race neared the the last kilometer, it was chaotic as usual, with many strong sprinters going for the last corner at 300m to go.”

Benfatto edged out Maris Bogdanovics (Rietumu – Delfin) for his second consecutive stage win, with Team Novo Nordisk riders Andrea Peron (ITA) and Quentin Valognes (FRA) sprinting to 15th and 18th respectively.

“We still need to develop a sense for racing alongside each other,” Checkasov said, “especially since this is the first race together for this group of guys.”

“Our squad is young,” Peron said, “but we’re doing a good job. Our legs are good, and I’m confident for the next stages.”

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes pro cycling team, continues racing tomorrow on stage 3 of Tour of China I. The114.7-kilometer will start and finish in Banan.