A massive tactical battle ignited right from the gun on Stage 3 of Tour of Slovenia, a 134 kilometer route from Maribor to Celje packed with 2066 meters of vertical climbing. The scorching 29 degree heat turned the asphalt into an absolute furnace, requiring a monumental effort from the team staff, who worked tirelessly to keep the riders stocked with endless ice and water from the team cars. While the initial tactical blueprint from the team staff was to get Zsombor Palumby into the move to defend his classification lead, the chaotic flurry of early attacks shifted the cards. Instead, Erik Fetter found his opening on a short, steep kicker, launching into what became the definitive three-man breakaway alongside riders from Modern Adventure Pro Cycling and Factor Racing. Fetter fought valiantly at the first mountain prime, missing out on the top points in a furious bike-throw finish, a loss that unfortunately saw the mountain jersey slip from our ranks.
Behind the escape, the team car reported a structurally perfect day with zero mechanical issues as Veljko Stojnić and Michal Schuran executed a masterclass in domestique teamwork, shielding Tomáš Přidal from the wind and positioning him flawlessly before the final Category 2 climb to Celje hut. Although the peloton, led by a ruthless Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe train, absorbed the breakaway before the final ascent and set up a reduced bunch sprint won by Laurence Pithie of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, our primary objective was beautifully met. Přidal crossed the line safely in the front group, triumphantly protecting his brilliant 5th place in the General Classification and keeping the white jersey firmly on his shoulders ahead of the looming queen stage.
Erik trades blows in the early furnace
It was a massive battle at the beginning of the stage to get into the breakaway, as so many teams wanted to be in the day’s move. We worked really well together with the guys, constantly covering the attacks. On a short, steep climb, the rider from Modern Adventure Pro Cycling made a move, and I went with him, so the two of us found ourselves out front. We started cooperating nicely, then another rider caught up to us, so the three of us kept going. I really wanted to win the first mountain sprint; we had a huge battle with the guy from MAP, but in the end, he managed to just pip me right at the line.
Tomorrow is the queen stage. Our number one goal will be to support Přidal, but alongside that, we also want to be up there in the breakaway and win back the mountain jersey.
The atmosphere is excellent, and our lineup is running beautifully. The staff is working incredibly hard for us: in reality, they are the foundation of this great vibe and our success.
Michal measures the WorldTour level
Overall, I am feeling quite good. I tried to get into the breakaway every time, but I wasn’t lucky enough to make it. However, someone else from the team was always up there, and that’s what matters most. Today, we tried to position Přidal before the final climb and managed to put him in a solid place.
As for the conditions, I feel well-prepared thanks to my heat training sessions, but the strong bunch, especially Bora, is showing us a completely different level. For example, on the first stage, I set a new 2-minute power PR on the final climb and I still got dropped. It’s also really tough when we hit those narrow roads with all the sharp uphills and downhills.
Tomorrow, I will try to make the breakaway again. If luck isn’t on my side, I’ll pivot to helping Přidal get into a good position. The final climb is definitely for a different type of rider than me 😄 but I will still try to finish as at least the second-best Czech guy in the GC.
Photo: Marcell Lippai
