This morning, I received another communication that further explained yesterday's confusion on the podium. Here's what it said,
The Flueckiger brothers, winners of last year's final stage, finished in second place today, their first podium finish in this year's event. Says Mathias, who was still in school in Switzerland last Thursday: "We had very good legs today. Around 5km before the finish, we took the wrong turn and lost about 4 minutes. We were riding at a good pace today and are very happy with the results. It's just very hot – I've come from a very cold Switzerland and my body is still acclimatizing." Lukas adds: "It's a pity that we took the wrong turn. Our legs and heads were good today, and our bikes perfect. It was a good technical ride."
1. Sauser/Stander - 4hrs 36m 59.8secs 2. Lukas and Mathias (Trek World Racing) - 4hrs 41m 09.5secs 3. Platt/Sahm - 4hrs 41m 50.6secs 4. Brentjens/Pietersma - 4hrs 41m 51.2secs
The brothers took the wrong turn with 2 other teamns after being sent that way by race officials. There is a pending protest toi have 4mins deducted from their GC time.
Meanwhile, Sven sent across another email that read,
"Lukas and Sauser were up front driving hard, the two of them swapping back and forth while their partners Burry and Mathias were a few riders back.
So far, the Bulls team is riding steady and consistently, not risking any big mechanicals like a few of the other strong teams have. Flückigers would maybe be in the lead if it wasn't for their bad luck in the opening stages. But that's stage racing for you.... watch out for the Swiss power boys who have been having fun training rides. They will surely go for a stage win any day now..."
And now, enjoy today's photo gallery:
