After Mihajlo Stolic’s stage win on Monday, today a first category climb awaited the bunch on the third stage of the Bulgarian Tour.
Thanks to the great work of Team United Shipping, the peloton was under control until the big climb in the last third of the stage.
For most of the long climb, our Greek sprinter Nikiforos Arvanitou remained alone in the leading group, but despite Niki being a sprinter, he survived the incline and was able to prepare for the reduced group sprint.
In the last three kilometers, two of his fellow breakaway riders attacked, but Niki caught them alone. Then they were caught by the others, but the Greek champion still turned first to the flamme rouge. From there, Niki held on and won the third stage of the Bulgarian Tour and took the lead in the GC!
Niki evaluated his victory:
“Today was a nice day. The plan was to control the race until the final climb. I had to survive the climb and go for the win. I saw that I was the only one from the team there but I didn’t get stressed. There were just 30 riders and I knew I was the strongest one.
In the last three kms two riders attacked and took a nice gap. Other teams didn’t chase so I decided, I had to risk it and catch them myself. I attacked really strongly and I caught the two guys. I saw that we had a small gap so I immediately went to the front. Despite the fact that I was pulling very hard I did not change the plan. I didn’t stop. I knew I had to be first in the last corner. I kept pulling and after the last corner I launched my sprint. I took a gap and I enjoyed my win! Yes, I want to win the GC. There are two important stages ahead but we are strong and motivated to win this.”
Barnabas Mórocz on the teamwork that is essential for success:
“Racing in this team is incredibly good. When I stand at the start with the guys, I feel confident and motivated, because I see the will in everyone, and the indescribable energy that everyone gives just by their presence.
The atmosphere was completely fine even after Niki and Mihajlo’s collision. They immediately discussed it, drew a lesson from the whole situation, there was no anger between them. These two are real champions! Holding anger is not typical of champions.
The lead up looked like we were helping them until the last 1-2 km, and then from there they just followed the wheel of other sprinters.
During the day, Máté, Zétény and I were in control. Everyone does their part in the lead up, but Zétény were able to stay ahead the longest. We are very confident that we can defend the jersey!
📷Photo: Ian Chen
