In Vidiciatico, Italy, Tim Smeenge concluded the Appenninica MTB stage race on Saturday with a third place in the stage, which also secured his third place in the general classification behind compatriot Hans Becking and the Portuguese Tiago Ferreira. A day earlier, the Drent finished fourth in the penultimate stage from Fanano to Vidiciatico.
‘The last stage was a short one of 36 kilometers and I attacked with Hans immediately after the start and we reached the top of the first climb together. On the descent I had to let Hans go and Ferreira and MartinoTronconi joined me. However, on the second climb they were just too strong for me, but because Tronconi crashed on the descent, I still ended the last stage with a podium place. Now let’s get some rest and then off to the Hondsrug Classic in my ‘backyard’, says Smeenge.