On Aussie day, Gerrans hangs on to overall lead
Richie Porte (Saxo Bank) took the stage six evening time trial in the Tour of Denmark. The Australian clocked 15’09 on the 13.2-kilometer long course and was ten seconds faster than teammate Gustav Erik Larsson and 17 seconds faster than Sky’s Alex Dowsett. Simon Gerrans (Sky) finished fifth, 29 seconds back and two seconds ahead of his overall classification rival Daniele Bennati (Leopard Trek). Bennati now sits eight seconds back with one day remaining. Garmin-Cervelo’s Jack Bobridge in sixth position completed the Aussi day in Helsingør.
Porte clocked an average of over 52 km/h, but mixed in with the joy of the double win for the Danish team there was some disappointment by not figuring in the overall classification anymore. Michael Mørkøv sat nine seconds back before the stage, but was down 46 seconds at the finish. This put him 26 seconds behind Gerrans and 18 seconds behind Bennati.
Mørkøv saw an opportunity slip away before the final showdown into Copenhagen on Sunday. ”Prior to the race, I would really have appreciated a spot on the podium in this race,” he said. “But after a promising start and a great day in Vejle yesterday, I really believed that I could conquer the top step of the podium. My time trial was alright but I’m sad I missed the opportunity to take the jersey and bring it all the way to Copenhagen in front of friends and family and to celebrate the win my hard-working teammates.”
Mørkøv has a small four-second lead over Damien Gaudin and has to make sure to defend the last podium spot. “That’s racing and tomorrow, we’ll be focusing on maintaining the position,” said a disappointed Mørkøv.
Saxo Bank-SunGard sports director Dan Frost was more upbeat about the results. “Both Bennati and Gerrans were probably riding their best time trial ever which concluded the GC. But there’s no reason to be ashamed about this result.” Overall it was a good day at home for the Danish squad. ” Michael shows great class with this result and Richie and Gustav took a magnificent double win.”
The final stage runs from Hillerød over 162km into Copenhagen and takes in one lap of this year’s Worlds course. A final six-km lap is to be done ten times before the sprint on the Frederiksberg Allé, the Danish Champs Elyssés.