Erik Fetter, sixth in a spectacular finish in Opatija (CRO Race)

Hungary’s Erik Fetter gave EOLO KOMETA a new place of honour in the CRO Race with sixth place on the tricky final circuit in Opatija on the third stage of the race. After perfectly passing the tough climb with less than 5 kilometres to go, he maintained a perfect position to lead the team before the mountain.

Once again, the team rode very smart, saving energy the initial part of the stage, and kept a sharp eye on the front positions before tackling the final two laps of the Opatija circuit. The blues led the big group before the first pass over the demanding steep climb selected by the peloton, and Erik Fetter showed great skills on the second lap to counter-attack on the second pass, and even to give continuity looking to surprise the rest of the riders.

He didn’t manage to get away, but he always maintained an ideal position in the top-10 on the vertiginous descent, with several tight corners and a lot of tension in the peloton. Practically in the same sixth position that he crossed the ‘flamme rouge’ at the last kilometre, he crossed the finish line, managing the final punch of the fastest riders and adding a high level result. Fernando Tercero, who will have his big chance tomorrow in the queen stage of the CRO Race, also entered the leading group in 18th position.

Erik Fetter: “It was a really technical and hectic final but I felt quite comfortable in these situations, and when Simmons (Trek) attacked in the climb in the last lap I followed him and then also launched my attack, but the climb was a bit short so I couldn’t take such a big selection, so then I needed to get ready and position myself for the last U turn 800 meters before the finish line. I could turn on place 6, and this was also my finish result. The team is working incredible good these days, we are always really well placed inside the bunch and hungry to get a nice result every day, we will keep this spirit and fight in the coming days”.