Teunissen takes his first win for Intermarche in Norway

CTT

Mike Teunissen took his first victory for Intermarche-Circus-Wanty team on a shortened stage 1 at the Tour of Norway.

Challenging weather conditions led to the 206km stage from Jondal to Hovden being shortened to 85km. The start was moved to Røldal, and the shortened stage offered a fast-paced and intense race.

Inoes controlled the peloton for Ben Tulett until the riders reached the Bykleheivegen climb with 29 kilometers to go. At that point, Jumbo-Visma took the lead and tried to put extra pressure on the peloton.

Lorenzo Milesi (Team DSM) launched an attack up the climb and crossed the summit first. Mathias Vacek (Trek-Segafredo) and Adne Holter (Uno-X) also bridged the gap to Milesi after attacking over the top and claimed the remaining climbing points. Several riders in the peloton felt the effects of a fast pace, and a split field with Ineos at the front quickly reeled in the breakaway.

In the final kilometers, Bora-hansgrohe positioned their riders in front for their sprinter, Jordi Meus. It was a hectic finale on the challenging finish in Hovden, where a close duel ensued, and Mike Teunissen emerged victorious. Behind him, Tobias Lund Andresen (Team DSM) and Jordi Meus (Bora-anshgrohe) followed to take 2nd and 3rd place.

Ben Tulett (Ineos Grenadiers) still holds the overall lead in the race heading into tomorrow’s stage from Valle to Stavanger.