ProTeam From breakaway to win: Johannes Adamietz takes first pro victory in Slovakia

The Tour of Slovakia entered its final weekend with a tough stage of 183 kilometers between Partizánske and Ružomberok, where the riders faced two climbs in the last 15 kilometers: 2.1 kilometers at 5.5 percent and 1 kilometer at 10.1 percent. After only 12 kilometers, 4 riders, including Johannes Adamietz, broke away. He was joined by Andrea Garosio (Polti Kometa), Kyrylo Tsarenko (Corratec-Vini Fantini), and Pierre Thierry (Arkéa-B&B Hotels). At one point, the quartet had a lead of over 9 minutes. "It was a tough day," said a happy Adamietz. "My plan was to join the early breakaway, but making it to the end was a surprise. I felt I had good legs right from the start. Additionally, the peloton gave us a significant lead, but that’s never a guarantee, of course. Halfway through the race, I also had to deal with a mechanical issue—my back wheel felt loose—so I had to chase back, which cost me quite a bit of energy."

At the start of the final, the breakaway had 2 minutes left, which proved sufficient to stay ahead. In the background, Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) and Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step) attempted to launch an attack, but in vain. "I tried to attack on the last climb myself. Only the rider from Arkea could follow, but our collaboration was difficult, and the other two breakaway riders caught up. When we went to the finish with the four of us, I turned out to be the fastest. Even though I'm a poor sprinter (laughs), apparently I had the freshest legs among the four of us."

With the fourth stage of the Tour of Slovakia, Adamietz also secured his first professional victory. "It was a very good day. And by extension, this has been a very good week. The atmosphere within the team is great. Tomorrow we will fully support Jenno Berckmoes and hope to make it a great final day here in Slovakia."

Picture: Sona Nikova