Ethan Vernon finished second on the longest stage of the Tour of Norway.
Remco Evenepoel enjoyed a comfortable day as the overall leader of the race, just twenty-four hours after a dominant victory on the queen stage, which put him firmly in control of the general classification. Friday, the peloton took on a long 232.2km stage from Hovden to Kristiansand, and for the most part rode without being too concerned about the six-man breakaway, which was allowed to remain off front until 15 kilometers to go.
In the hectic final kilometers, which included a short climb where some riders tried to prevent things from coming down to a bunch sprint, Remco and Kasper Asgreen worked hard for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl teammate Ethan Vernon, who didn’t disappoint, remaining at all times well-positioned before kicking out with 200 meters to go and taking runner-up, just a wheel’s length separating him from what would have been his second victory of the season.
The standings remained unchanged, Remco – so far, the only rider to have won two stages at this edition – holding a 46-second advantage over his closest rival with two days to go.
Photo credit: ©Szymon Gruchalski
