Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung would finish in 20th place during today’s stage 9 team time trial at the Tour de France. BMC Racing would be the winning team today as they beat Team Sky and Movistar into 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Our African team had hoped to do a strong ride today but were also realistic in coming up against team’s more experienced and well-rehearsed in the team time trialling discipline. Edvald Boasson Hagen put in the lion’s share of work over the final sectors of a tough course to bring our young African climbers across the line in 34’11” for the 28km course.
Our team’s average speed of 49.1km/h would see us finish within 1’56” of the reigning team time trial world champions by the end of the stage. With no King of the Mountains points on offer during the team time trial, Daniel Teklehaimanot will keep his Polka Dot jersey going into tomorrow’s rest day.
Jens Zemke – Head of Performance