Lotto-Soudal’s rider, Tim Wellens has just taken the victory at the Tour of Guangxi’s Queen Stage. The Belgian pro rider was able to give an impressive uphill performance crossing the finish line right before Nicolas Roche and Bauke Mollema.
The fourth stage started in Nanning and finished in Mashan Nongla. The 151-km stage featured a first category climb right before the finish line. Since in the beginning, the first riders to create a breakaway were Sunweb’s rider, Lennard Hofstede, LottoNL-Jumbo’r rider, Victor Campenaerts, Pavel Kochetkov (Katusha-Alpecin) and Antonio Molina (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA).
We had a #GoPro on Stage 4 #TourofGuangxi winner @Tim_Wellens. On-board race highlights coming soon. @Lotto_Soudal pic.twitter.com/HRWE4sXNoe
— Velon CC (@VelonCC) October 22, 2017
Since the first half of the stage, the riders were able to create a seven-minute advantage from the pack which reeled back during the last 5 kilometers.
“I didn’t feel super good at the start of the stage but the team gave me confidence,” Belgian rider said. “My teammates helped me all day and kept me out of the wind. As we approached the finale I felt better and better and I had great legs on the final climb.
“Roche was the first to make his move, and I came back a bit later with Mollema. Then it was my turn to attack and I managed to go clear. Of course, it gives a very good feeling, everyone wanted to win today and it was not easy. It’s a special experience to race here. I have to say that the organization is super good, with nice hotels and beautiful roads. It is also good to show our team in such fashion in China. Our co-sponsor Soudal is also active here!”
He also admitted to now be in a great position that allows his to defend the leader’s jersey despite the fact it won’t be an easy task to do so. He added that his team is his strongest point and he knows he can count on them any time.
Really nice finish today. Great victory for @Tim_Wellens @TourofGuangxi @Lotto_Soudal pic.twitter.com/kcFBLswhih
— Thomas De Gendt (@DeGendtThomas) October 22, 2017
Wellens now leads the General Classification of the tour and has a 4-secopnd advantage from Mollema, and 9 from Roche with another two stages to go.
