Sébastien Hinault on the verge of a victory at the Tour of Portugal

“I think I was not far from the victory.  I had to brake in the last two hundred meters.  This made it impossible for me to raise my arms in victory.”

Having finished an excellent 4^th place in the fifth stage of the Tour of Portugal, which was won by Manuel Cardoso (Caja Rural/Seguros RGA), Sébastien Hinault accepted his defeat with a philosophy influenced by his 39 years of experience.

“Everything had worked perfectly as we entered the final kilometers of the stage.  Marcel Wyss, Alexandr Pliuschin, Reto Hollenstein and Jonathan Fumeaux (who finished 6^th in his own right) all worked excellently to put me in a perfect place.  Unfortunately, Jonathan chose the wrong side and I ended up getting stuck against the barriers.  These things are split second decisions and happen all the time in our sport.  This does not detract from all the work that we have accomplished since the beginning of the Tour of Portugal.  The team has put in a 100% effort and it’s really satisfying to see the group so supportive and functioning in unison.”

Hinault’s sentiments were confirmed by the fact the team was the strongest placed team on the stage.  Diecteur Sportif Marcello Albasini agreed the team shows all the best signals.

“The temperature was slightly cooler by 10 degrees (35°).  And the guys could feel the difference, which helped.  Our riders have managed their efforts perfectly, and they continue to put themselves in the proper positions to play for the win.  We will do everything we can to continue to animate and influence the race.  The rest day will be welcomed, but we will make sure not to make any mistakes from here on out.  We will be training for two hours, with the intention that we will be ready to meet the challenges of the final five.”