Oded Kogut and Hugo Hofstetter recorded season-best results on stage 4 of the Volta ao Algarve on Saturday, impressively finishing third and fifth respectively after a technical and messy sprint.
Wheel-surfing and improvization were key on the approach to the finish line in Lagos, with Kogut recovering well after being blocked in with around 200 meters to go, and Hofstetter sprinting with shoes loosened following an impact with another rider.
“It was really chaotic and super fast – this is what I like about sprinting,” says Kogut.
“On one hand, I’m happy, but I came here to win and I didn’t win, so I’m quite upset about this.
“But I’ll try to stay optimistic and build my shape toward the next races of the season. I’m also super grateful for my teammates who really helped me to keep on Magnier’s wheel all the way to the finish. So I’m happy with the team, I’m happy with my shape now for February.
Despite having loose shoes, Hofstetter tried all he could to help Kogut on the approach to the line, and managed to find enough clear air to take fifth and add to the strength of today’s result.
“I’m happy and also I wanted to do more, so I feel it’s a bit in between,” says the Frenchman.
“I tried to like to position Oded in the best possible possible – I was well-placed at 3KM to go coming into the right turn, and then in the bottom of the downhill on the second last roundabout Oded was in my wheel.
“After he passed me, I fought for his wheel, but another rider hit my shoes. I had open shoes but I managed to stay in Oded’s wheel. I wanted to pass him as I had to legs to help him with a lead-out, but it was impossible.”
Sports Director René Mandri praised Kogut and Hofstetter for how they coped with the race situation.
“It was a very hectic final 3KM as the pre-final was very slow with the teams blocking the road on the narrow part. We were ready for it and well placed,” he says.
“Oded and Hugo surfed the wheels well, but eventually Oded found himself boxed in. No lead-out was possible from this situation!
“Good job by both guys – it was a good step forward for Oded.”