On the penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain, the Argentinean won the peloton's sprint.
Four hours after teammate Tony Martin took Etixx – Quick-Step's victory tally to 50 in the 2016 season, Maximiliano Richeze came into the spotlight with a powerful sprint, which netted him second behind Rohan Dennis (BMC), who managed to hold off the field for a solo success in stage 7b of the British race (Bristol – Bristol, 90 kilometers). The Australian attacked on the last climb, just as the pack was reeling in the escapees, and crossed the line ahead of a reduced peloton, from which 33-year-old Max proved to be the fastest.
Guided by Tony Martin, Julien Vermote finished safely, just 10 seconds adrift, and kept his 9th place in the overall standings, with just one day left of this year's edition. Julien, who pulled off a spectacular win earlier in the week, talked of Etixx – Quick-Step's remarkable day at the Tour of Britain: "It's been a really good Saturday for us. Tony took the ITT victory in the noon and now Max came close of winning the stage. It's a pity he didn't finish first, as he really deserved to win, but Rohan was stronger today, so that's that. Tomorrow another day awaits and we will try to be again up there."
The Tour of Britain will conclude in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, which will host the final stage for the fourth year running. The parcours is pan flat and will thus give the sprinters one more opportunity to go for glory.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
