1 august 2024
This hits Team Vorarlberg to the core. First the serious crash of Lukas Rüegg last week. Yesterday, the same fate befell Jannis Peter on the sixth stage. The 23-year-old, who was in 21st place in the overall standings, was “wiped out” in a classic manner on a descent. He broke his left elbow, as the diagnosis revealed yesterday evening. Nevertheless, he finished the stage in the front group despite the fracture. Chapeau and what a tough guy! Get well soon Jannis.
A hard day’s work and a new place for Colin Stüssi and team in the fastest stage!
And Jannis was missing especially in today’s final stage from Felgueiras to Paredes (160 kilometers / 2400 vertical meters). Lukas Meiler, Felix Stehli and Alexander Konychev were able to support their leader for a long time. Then Colin Stüssi was repeatedly attacked on the final lap by the overall leader Eulalio Afonso and his team. He had to counter them himself, which sapped his strength, and did the job again with a powerful attack. The Swiss rider finished ninth in the sprint of the leading group.
“Today’s stage was 41 minutes faster than planned in the road book. The level here is unbelievable. Almost 44 km/h average with these meters of altitude. We really had our work cut out against the attacks today. But Colin is mentally strong. Hopefully we’ll survive tomorrow. Because Saturday is the decisive day of the Tour!” Werner Salmen the Sport Director
The stage winner in Paredes from the Radio Popular Team was the Colombian Francisco Penuela from Colombia, ahead of the Portuguese Tiago Antunes (Efapel).
In the overall standings, Jon Agirre (SPA / Kern Pharma), who was third overall, dropped back in the tough finale. Afonso continues to lead by 21 seconds ahead of Colin Stüssi. Mikel Bizkarra (SPA / Euskaltel-Euskadi) is the new third with +55 seconds on the leader Afonso!
Another great day – another great job is done!
The race will be broadcast live every day from 4pm: https://www.rtp.pt/play/direto/rtp1
Result https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/volta-a-portugal/2024/stage-9
Stage 8 from the sea to the inland and a long way to go
Tomorrow the first start from the seaside Viano do Castelo over 182 kilometers to Fafe. Once this classic stage has been beaten, the queen stage awaits on Saturday. Save as much energy as possible.
Stage plan (total length 1,540 KM / 22.000 m altitude difference)
24.07. Prologue Agueda – Agueda 5,6 KM
25.07. Stage 1 Anadia – Miranda do Corvo 158.2 KM / 2838 HM
26.07. Stage 2 Santarem – Lisbon 164,5 KM / 1132 HM
27.07. Stage 3 Crato – Covilha (Torre) 161.2 KM / 3225 HM
28.07. Stage 4 Sabugal – Guarda 164.5 KM / 3050 HM
29.07. Rest day
30.07. Stage 5 Penedono – Braganca 176.8 KM / 3299 HM
31.07. Stage 6 Braganca – Boticas 169.1 KM / 2671 HM
01.08. Stage 7 Felgueiras – Paredes 160.4 KM / 2416 HM
02.08. Stage 8 Viano do Castelo – Fafe 182.4 KM / 2404 HM
03.08. Stage 9 Maia – Mondim de Basto 170.8 KM / 3820 HM
04.08. Stage 10 Time trial Viseu – Viseu 26.6 KM / 418 HM
Line-up Team Vorarlberg: Colin Stüssi, Jannis Peter, Lukas Meiler, Felix Stehli, Lukas Rüegg, Alexander Konychev, Pirmin Benz;
Presseservice Team Vorarlberg
www.team-vorarlberg.at
office@proevent-cycling.at
(Copyright Photos Team Vorarlberg @Source)