The queen stage of Peace Race presented a daunting mountain challenge packing 2514 vertical meters of climbing between Zábřeh and the summit of Dlouhé stráně. After a rainy morning that cleared up just before the rollout, the peloton faced a dangerous descent right from the start, but the squad rode cleanly and avoided any crashes or mechanical failures. The race organizers unexpectedly shortened the route by 2 km just before the start due to predicted high winds, though the summit ultimately remained completely calm with no breeze at all. Our sports director outlined a patient strategy, instructing the riders to fully conserve their energy for the final 14 km monster climb to make a difference there. The race exploded early on a 5 km precursor ascent, which thinned the field dramatically. Kamiel Eeman of Belgium proved the strongest on the mountain, taking a spectacular solo victory at an average speed of 40 km/h. For our boys, the brutal final gradients proved unforgiving. Máté Endrédi fought valiantly in the front group before losing contact 6 km from the summit, crossing the line in 39th place, 2 minutes and 44 seconds down. Further down the mountain, Rastko Nikačević and Barnabás Vas rode together to finish 53rd and 55th, while Márkó Tóth rolled home in 96th after falling behind. Despite losing grip on the general classification, the team remains highly motivated for the punchy final stage.
Máté’s mountain heartbreak
Everything went very well until the final climb. There was a 5 km climb before the final climb where there was a big selection, but fortunately I was able to stay in the first group. After that we started the final mountain: I felt quite good, but then about 6 km from the finish I dropped. My legs were no longer good. I really wanted to stay with the front group because I knew I was capable of it, but today the necessary strength was not there. I am a bit disappointed, as a good GC result is almost certainly gone. But tomorrow a new day dawns, so we only look forward!
Barni’s look ahead to the punchy finals
I didn’t feel my best today, my legs were tired. After today’s race I am sure that these long mountains do not suit me. The atmosphere is good as always. We are trying to put ourselves together for tomorrow and achieve a good result. The last stage suits me quite well I think, but that will turn out tomorrow anyway.
Photo: Marcell Lippai
