CANADA’S HENDRIK PINEDA WINS OPENING STAGE AT TOUR DE L’ABITIBI
Pineda wins the brown and white leader’s jersey in sprint finish
(Rouyn-Noranda, QC – July 16, 2013) The 45th Tour de l’Abitibi opened up today with a 117km journey between Amos and Rouyn-Noranda, and Hendrik Pineda, member of the Canadian National Team, won the stage in a mass-sprint finish.
The race started with a few breakaway attempts, which were all unsuccessful. The biggest threat of the day was one group that took over 1:30 on the peloton. Entering the final circuits in Rouyn-Noranda, the break’s lead melted and the peloton took the opportunity to merge.
“I tried to stay at the front of the pack today. There were a few break attempts, but they didn’t last long.”
The sprint finish on the first day was a good situation for Pineda, a natural sprinter: “Arriving in the last lap, I knew I had the legs to put up a good sprint. I turned the last corner in fifth place, and launched the sprint to take the win today. Sprinting is a lot about positioning, and I had good position today.”
By taking the victory, Pineda check off his main objective of winning one stage at this important international stage race, and also grabs the brown leader’s jersey.
“My objective here was to win a stage, so I am very happy to have accomplished it on the first day. The pace was really fast as everyone was excited and fresh for the race,” said Pineda, 18 years old of Montreal, QC “It means a lot to win the leader’s jersey, especially on the first day. I hope to keep the brown’s leader’s jersey until the time trials on Thursday morning, as I know it’s not my strength.
The Tour de l’Abitibi resumes tomorrow with a 106-kilometer stage between La Sarre and Rouyn Noranda.
