Stefan Denifl 13th in opening stage at Tour of Austria

The very difficult mountain top finish at the end of the first stage of the Tour of Austria saw Kevin Seeldrayers (Astana) winning solo.  The Belgian rider was a member of a small group of escapees who were left near the summit to try their luck at winning the stage and the first yellow jersey of the race.

IAM Cycling’s Stefan Denifl placed an encouraging 13^th, just a short way away from his Tyrolean home.

The Austrian fought hard to finish 1’01” back, along with BMC’s Mathias Frank.

“I managed to keep a good rhythm up to 3 kilometers from the finish.  But I did not have the legs to hang with the strongest the rest of the way.  Tomorrow’s stage finishing at the Kitzbüheler Horn will also be very special and tough.  I will take each stage one by one.” 

Meanwhile, Jonathan Fumeaux (25^th) along with Aleksejs Saramotins (17^th) dropped off the group of favorites with around 4 kilometers to go to the finish.

“The day proved difficult with the first part of the circuit including a demanding climb.  After six laps we attacked the 20 kilometer climb leading to the finish.  I was able to stick with the favorites.  I am getting better every day and I hope to prove that in the mountainous stages still to come.”

Stefan Denifl and Jonathan Fumeaux reactions after the first stage

Österreich Rundfahrt – Stage 1 – Stefan Denifl reaction

Tour d’Autriche – étape 1 – réaction de Jonathan Fumeaux

Complete results on the first stage