Cycling: Marc Hirschi (Sunweb) just missed his first victory as a professional. The young Swiss was only beaten by Tim Wellens (Lotto – Soudal) in the decisive triple sprint. In the overall standings, only four seconds separate the two.
Marc Hirschi is again strong
Preliminary decision at the Binck Bank Tour! The wavy fourth section, starting and finishing in Houffalize, Belgium, over just 96,2 kilometers has brought about some changes in terms of the overall standings. As expected, Leader lost Sam Bennett (Bora – hansgrohe) catches up with this ups and downs. Meanwhile broke up with the Swiss Marc Hirschi (Sunweb), the Spaniard Ivan Garcia (Bahrain – Merida), as well as the two Belgians Tim Wellens (Lotto – Soudal) and Laurens DePlus (Jumbo – Visma) a strong quartet. Despite some discrepancies, the group harmonized very well overall, so that the lead could be extended to over half a minute. Around ten kilometers from the finish, Ivan Garcia had to let his companions go.
Tim Wellens passes in the last few centimetres
With the three of us on the road, the little games began. Laurens DePlus seemed unable or unwilling to go through the lead, later attacked directly. Marc Hirschi tried it in a descent. But nobody could really break away from his two companions. A trio of pursuers formed behind them and threatened to come closer. Finally, the day's victory was decided in a three-man sprint. In the last right-hand bend, Marc Hirschi allowed himself to be pushed aside, but he then overtook the Belgians with momentum. Laurens De Plus had nothing more to oppose, however Tim Wellens pushed past Marc Hirschi with a tiger leap in the last few centimetres. He also takes the overall lead – but Marc Hirschi is only four seconds behind.
It's... Tim Wells! He sprints an edge faster than Marc Hirschi. De Plus is third. #BinckBankTour pic.twitter.com/z3CnUuAdne
- BinckBank Tour (@BinckBankTour) August 15, 2019