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press releases 20.01.2015, 06:00
Tour Down Under. Maxim Belkov is 4th in the first stage

Maxim Belkov from the Russian WorldTour Team Katusha performed splendidly today in the first stage of the Santos Tour Down Under, finishing 4th. Belkov became part of the successful 4-man breakaway, which finally played for the stage victory.

The first stage of the race started in Tanunda and finished in Campbelltown after 132,6 km of racing. Attacks in the peloton began from the start of the stage. After one of the attacks, a group of four riders broke clear, taking a good gap: Maxim Belkov, Jack Bobridge from UniSA-Australia, Luke Durbridge from Orica-GreenEdge and Lieuwe Westra from Astana. The group of Belkov managed to get a two and a half minute gap, after which the peloton started to try to take control of the situation.

Before the only climb of the day, Checker Hill, the breakaway had just a 25-second gap, but it later increased again till 50 seconds. That was enough for the break to reach the finish and to play the victory in a 4-man sprint. Finally, Bobridge won the stage, Westra was second, while Durbridge closed the podium. Maxim Belkov was 4th. A few moments later Niccolò Bonifazio from Lampre-Merida won the bunch sprint for the 5th place.

- Before the stage I was motivated to try to go in a breakaway if I saw a chance. As we started, I saw a lot of attacks. I went too and immediately I found myself in a small group. We could build a nice gap quickly. In a stage as today it was clear that the peloton would control the situation and nobody would give us too much space. But we tried to work well, smoothly; maybe this was the key for break’s success. Unfortunately I could not get the victory, only 4th place. But, for the first stage of the first race I think this is a nice result. Anyway, it motivates me keep on fighting, - said Maxim Belkov.

- Today we had two opportunities – to try to go in a breakaway or to fight in the final bunch sprint. So, before the start I asked the riders to attack from the beginning and to try to go in a break. Maxim did it and I can say he spent a very good day in the front. Indeed, the peloton controlled the break, they had only 1,5 – 2 minutes of advantage, but the break was able to stay in the front until the finish line. With two km to go Maxim tried to go for himself a few times, but his rivals caught him every time. Anyway, I am sure we can be proud with today’s stage. Katusha starts actively this season and we are looking forward for the next stages, - added sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.

In the general classification Jack Bobridge became the first race leader, while Maxim Belkov is 4th overall.

Tomorrow the second stage of the Tour Down Under will be held – 150,5 km from Unley to Stirling.

Photo credit: (c) Tim De Waele