Zukowsky takes KOM at Suisse
Team effort secures lead in climbers' classification
Nickolas Zukowsky moved into the best climber’s jersey at the Tour de Suisse following an impressive third day of racing.
The young Canadian started the stage tied on points in the KOM competition with Tom Bohli (Cofidis) who wore the leader’s jersey based on the strength of his overall placing.
On Tuesday however, after a concerted all-day effort from the team, the tables were turned.
“Our plan today was definitely to try and get the jersey since we were so close. Either go for the breakaway again or try and get ahead of Bohli on GC.”
As it turned out, Ben King was able to infiltrate the break – with no other threats making the four-man move. King even bagged five points of his own on the day’s two KOMs.
The break at the 1st KOM; @MathiasFrank (@AG2RCITROENTEAM) @RochasRemy (@TeamCOFIDIS ) @Benjamin (@Rally_Cycling ) and @ClaudioImhof (@swisscycling pic.twitter.com/LWD3IzlwFX
— Tour de Suisse (@tds) June 8, 2021
“The team did an amazing job at helping me gain as much time as possible during the finale,” Zukowsky explained. “Today was truly a team effort. I can’t thank the guys enough, it was awesome to be a part of and I am so very grateful!”
Zukowsky is determined to keep the jersey and says stage 4 represents an opportunity to do so.
“We will definitely try and hold onto it for another day. Tomorrow is a good day for us to do that.”
Gavin Mannion hung tough to make it in a select group of favorites on the stage to finish 25th, same time as double-stage winner Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).
Tour de Suisse king of the mountains standings
1 ZUKOWSKY Nickolas (Rally Cycling) 10pts
2 BOHLI Tom (Cofidis) 10pts
3 SCHACHMANN Max (Bora Hansgrohe) 6pts
5 DAL-CIN Matteo (Rally Cycling) 6pts
6 KING Benjamin (Rally Cycling) 5pts
Stage 3 results
1 VAN DER POEL Mathieu Alpecin-Fenix 60 50 4:24:26
2 LAPORTE Christophe Cofidis, Solutions Crédits 25 30 ,,
3 ALAPHILIPPE Julian Deceuninck – Quick Step 10 18 ,,
4 MATTHEWS Michael Team BikeExchange 13 ,,
5 SCHACHMANN Maximilian BORA – hansgrohe 10 ,,
6 KAMP Alexander Trek – Segafredo 7 ,,
7 BENOOT Tiesj Team DSM 4 ,,
8 FRAILE Omar Astana – Premier Tech 3 ,,
9 TURGIS Anthony Team Total Direct Energie 2 ,,
10 WOODS Michael Israel Start-Up Nation 1 ,,
…
25 MANNION Gavin Rally Cycling ”
All Tour de Suisse stages will be streamed live in North America through FloBikes.
