Cycling: Olav Kooij won the sprint on the 3rd stage of the Gree Tour of Guangxi. The Dutchman won ahead of his two compatriots Rick Pluimers and Marijn van den Berg.
Kooij wins after a hectic finale
After the first two stages ended in a mass sprint, this also happened on the third section. However, after 134,3 kilometers with start and finish in Nanning, not all of the top sprinters were able to fight for the day's victory. A small climb and two crashes resulted in a decimated field of riders. The Dutch came out particularly lucky, as they were ultimately able to make up the podium. Olav Kooij (Jumbo – Visma) won ahead of his two compatriots Rick Pluimers (Tudor) and Marijn van den Berg (EF Education – EasyPost). Kooij is celebrating his twelfth victory this year.
De Bondt takes over overall leadership
The overall leader and yesterday's stage winner jonathan milan (Bahrain – Victorious) was stopped shortly before the finish by a fall. The Italian therefore had no chance to defend his jersey. Because as on the previous two days, collected Dries de Bondt (Alpecin – Deceuninck) in the escape group diligently getting bonus seconds. The Belgian is now two seconds ahead of Milan in the overall standings. Tomorrow he is likely to lose the jersey again on the way to Nongla. Because then the last few kilometers go uphill and the climbers and punchers are in demand.
Olav Kooij (TJV) has returned to his 12th successor in 2023 on the 3rd stage of the Guangxi Tour! The devance ses compatriots Rick Pluimers (TUD) and Marijn Van den Berg (EFE). Dries De Bondt (ADC) is the new general leader. #TOG2023 pic.twitter.com/fOWfZj4O9r
— Depart Fictif (@DepartFictifOff) October 14, 2023