Cycling: The 6th Arctic Race of Norway ended today in Alta. As on the days before, two riders in particular were happy after the fourth stage. While Mathieu Van der Poel (Corendon-Circus) once again won the stage, the competition could no longer take the overall lead from Sergei Chernetski (Astana).
Corendon-Circus dominates with 3 out of 4 stage wins
Actually, the professionals from Team Corendon-Circus are real crossers. But at the Arctic Race of Norway, they put their stamp on a road race. After Mathieu Van der Poel had already won the opening round in Kirkenes, he celebrated again today. The last section of the tour from Kvalsund to Alta was 145,5 kilometers long. After a slightly but very long uphill start, it went downhill again and then onto the circuit in the destination. There were two climbs to overcome, which should make a mass sprint impossible today. Instead, twelve escapees fought against the catch, but this was not successful either. The remaining trio was caught in the last two kilometers and Corendon-Circus entered the arena. As on the first stage, Mathieu Van der Poel dominated the uphill sprint today. With Sondre Holst Enger (Israel Cycling Academy) there was still a second place to celebrate for the Norwegians.
Chernetski is happy about the overall victory without winning a stage
The recipe for success of the Corendon-Circus team was revealed by the German driver Marcel Meisen to Velomotion at the start: “These stages with the circuits and the many poisonous climbs suit us crossers, of course.” In addition to Mathieu Van der Poel – who also won the points classification – Above all, the Russian Sergei Chernetski (Astana) can be celebrated. Without winning a stage, but also without losing any time, he ultimately won the Arctic Race of Norway trophy with ease. He benefited above all from being able to distance Mathieu Van der Poel on the second leg. The Norwegian Markus Hoelgaard (Joker Icopal) finished second in the overall standings ahead of Colin Joyce (Rally Cycling). The Swiss Danilo Wyss (BMC) can look forward to fourth place. In addition, Team BMC won the team competition. The mountain jersey goes to the Norwegian Sinde Lunke (Fortuneo-Samsic).
Mathieu Van der Poel wins stage 4 in Alta, his second stage win on the 2018 Arctic Race! 🇳🇱✌
Sergei Chernetski wins the 2018 Arctic Race of Norway! 🇷🇺🏆#ArcticRace pic.twitter.com/29WIdTwI0U— Arctic Race of Norway (@ArcticRaceofN) August 19, 2018