Four breakaway riders eyed each other as they prepared to sprint for victory on Stage 3 of the Tour of Slovakia. Suddenly, the chasing group emerged, leading to chaos.

However, 25-year-old climbing specialist Lennert Van Eetvelt from Belgium managed to regroup and claim the win.

This marked the Lotto-Intermarché cyclist’s first victory in a year and 333 days. He launched a powerful attack on the final, steep climb, with only 20-year-old Brazilian Henrique Ribeiro Bravo from Soudal-Quick Step able to keep pace.

The duo was soon joined by Jamie Meehan from Cofidis and Maxime Decomble from Groupama-FDJ a few kilometers from the finish, as they prepared for the decisive moment after 195 km between Tvrdosin and Dohnany.

Suddenly, the pursuers appeared out of nowhere, making the sprint chaotic and challenging. Yet, Lennert Van Eetvelt timed his final kick perfectly to fend off Benjamin Thomas from Cofidis and Valentin Hofer from Bahrain Victorious.

“I couldn’t hear the radio in my ear at the end and didn’t know how far behind they were. I was also surprised by how strong Bravo was on the climb. He will be dangerous on Sunday,” said a very happy Van Eetvelt after his victory.

The Belgian also took over the yellow leader’s jersey and is now the favorite to win overall after Sunday’s grueling finish at over 1,900 meters above sea level. Van Eetvelt arrived at the Tour of Slovakia directly from the World Tour races in Canada last week.

Lucky Sport impresses

The Swedish team Lucky Sport also made an impression. Swedish Carl Kagevi and Norwegian Simen Evertsen-Hegreberg were part of a nine-man breakaway that led the main field for most of the stage. Kagevi won the first four mountain sprints and now holds the climbing jersey securely.

Evertsen-Hegreberg was named the most aggressive rider and moved up to 3rd place in the climbing competition. Additionally, Finnish champion Axel Kjällberg sprinted to 4th place at the finish line.

The Norwegian Drali-Repsol team had two riders in the leading group at the finish. Karl Emil Kjeldsand and Georg Rydningen Martinsen are performing well in the overall standings, while brother Toralf Rydningen Martinsen was just 7 seconds behind.

Results can be found here.

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