Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Mark Cavendish saw a perfect leadout go bust after opening up his sprint too early and being swarmed at the line Wednesday in the opening stage at the Tour de Hongrie.
Astana-Qazaqstan set up Cavendish for a clear shot in what would be his first European win of 2024, but he stalled as others sped past him in the closing 50 meters. He coasted across the line sixth, his best result since winning a stage at the Colombia Tour in February.
Sam Welsford (Bora-Hansgrohe) was fastest in the bunch sprint marred by a nasty crash among the middle row of sprinters.
“Everyone was a bit nervous about the wind in the first half of the stage,” said Welsford, a winner for the first time since he won three stages at the Santos Tour Down Under in January. “Lucky enough I had a good position in the sprint. I am really happy with how the legs are feeling and I was happy to sprint off the wheels.”
Campbell Stewart (Jayco-AlUla) was among several riders hitting the deck in a high-speed crash after crossing wheels close to the line. Team officials confirmed he was heading to the hospital for checkups.
Peter Sagan started Wednesday in a surprise return to the road racing scene with Continental team Pierre Baguette. Sagan was involved in a pileup early in the stage, but did not appear to be injured.
Sagan later kicked to 18th in the stage in a solid showing.
“I am happy to be part of this team, because this is now Slovakia’s largest team,” Sagan said before the race started. “I hope to give some of my experience to the youngsters. For this race, I do not expect to have big results. I am just coming back from my heart surgery and I missed a lot of training.”
Sagan retired from the WorldTour last season, and was hoping to earn a berth for mountain biking in the Paris Olympic Games, but his preparation was derailed by an accelerated heart rate that required two procedures.
A Sagan spokesperson confirmed to Het Nieuwsblad that Sagan is no longer able to qualify for the Olympics based on points requirements. There’s an outside shot that he could be selected for one of a handful of wildcard invitations that will be handed out.
Sam Welsford (Bora-Hansgrohe) WINS the first stage of @Tour_de_Hongrie in Hajdúszoboszló! After a pretty terrible crash in the sprint unfortunately. #TourdeHongrie pic.twitter.com/uYeMenUXMW
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) May 8, 2024