Tour de Kyushu. Andrey Zeits and Antonio Nibali take 1-2 in the queen stage

In the most decisive stage of the Japanese stage race Tour de Kyushu Astana Qazaqstan Team riders Andrey Zeits and Antonio Nibali took the first two places: Zeits won the stage, while Nibali finished second.

Both riders made part of the decisive leading group, which broke away on the local laps in Minamiaso.

Later, on the last climb of the day Andrey Zeits launched an attack, which brought him the stage victory and the blue jersey of the race leader.

“I had two weeks after La Vuelta finish and I tried to keep on training on 100%, keeping my form on the level. It was a tough stage, but our team did it in a great way. Nicolas Vinokurov went in the breakaway from the start, defending team’s interests in the front, while I stayed in the peloton well protected by other teammates. Later, when this break has been caught back, Igor Chzhan set a strong pace entering the local laps, making a huge selection in the peloton. Well, in the end me and Antonio we remained together in the group of leaders, still pushing hard to keep the pace. With one lap to go on the last climb I attacked to open a gap, while Antonio remained behind, staying on the wheel on our rivals. No one could follow me on the climb, so I passed the top and tried to do the descent to the finish without getting much risk. The gap I got was enough to win the stage and to step into the lead in the General Classification. Also, I was really happy to see Antonio finishing second behind me”, – said Andrey Zeits.

With only one stage to go Andrey Zeits lead the race having 25 seconds on Antonio Nibali and 27 seconds on Yuhi Todome.

Photo credit: @SprintCycling