Andrey Zeits wins Tour de Kyushu, Antonio Nibali is second
The Kazakh rider Andrey Zeits became the overall winner of the first edition of the Tour de Kyushu, ended today in Hita. Astana Qazaqstan Team did everything needed to protect the leadership of Zeits, which he took yesterday after the queen stage.
“After an active start together with Antonio Nibali we went in the break of some 20 riders, all GC contenders were in that group. But with no really good collaboration, we could not keep the situation under control and, thus, three riders escaped again, while we had to wait for the peloton”, – explained Andrey Zeits.
On the local laps in Hita Astana Qazaqstan Team riders together with some other teams started chasing the break and almost caught them back, but three riders were able to stay away, playing the stage win. However, the peloton finished just 8 seconds later and, thus, Andrey Zeits defended his lead without any problem. Also, Antonio Nibali conserved his second place in the General Classification.
“Once again, our team did a great job and after the peloton came across our group, the guys came in front to start chasing the break and decreasing the gap. Well, at the end of the day we could not catch them, however, the main goal – to protect our lead – was accomplished. I am really happy with this win and it means a lot to me. Also, I am happy that we made it with Antonio Nibali and we represented together Astana Qazaqstan Team on the final podium”, – said Andrey Zeits.
“Andrey won the debut edition of the Tour de Kyushu, and despite the end of the season and that the race was in Japan, the level at this race was very high, as it very often happens at many Asian races. I am happy with the way our team performed, I am happy with this victory, the success of Andrey Zeits. He ends this season on a good note, bringing important points to the team and Kazakhstan, which will go to the Olympic ranking. Summing up the results of the rating will take place very soon, in ten days, and these points are important in order to get the Olympic licenses to participate in the Games in Paris. Also, Antonio Nibali spent a solid race, taking a nice second place. In general, we had a good race, the whole team worked perfectly. Despite the fact that today’s stage was not easy, the team showed itself from the best side, doing everything necessary to ensure victory”, – said Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team.
Photo credit:@SprintCycling