The opening stage of the Bayern Rundfahrt would come down to a bunch kick which Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon) would snap up. Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) was 2nd fastest with John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) in 3rd.
A lot would go on before the final sprint for the line, particularly for our MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung boys. Louis Meintjes would go on the attack in the opening stages of the 221km stage with 5 other riders. Their break was able to push out a lead of just under 5 minutes while a number of teams were interested in the chase. There were 2 category 1 climbs on route and Louis would crest both summits in 2nd place to leave him 2nd in mountains jersey at the end of the day.
It was Louis surge on the final cat 1 climb that saw 3 of the original breakaway riders losing touch at the head of the race. While our African champ pushed on in the trio, team captain Steve Cummings unfortunately had to abandon the race due to pain in his knee. Losing Steve is a big blow as he was a rider who could have fared well in the decisive stage 4 TT at the weekend.
With 50km to go the chase from the peloton intensified and the break were under pressure to hold their gap after a long day in the move. With so many teams interested in making the day a sprint, their majority rule would reign and with 10km to go it was all together. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg would come to the fore during the sprint for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and the South African crossed the line 8th.
Louis Meintjes – Rider
Reinardt Janse van Rensburg – Rider
Jens Zemke – Head of Performance