The 2013 Tour du Suisse concluded on Sunday as it had started eight days ago – with an individual time trial.
But in contrast to stage one’s short, serene course, Sunday’s ninth stage from Bad Ragaz to Flumserberg was 26.8 kilometres in length, with the last 10 kilometres uphill.
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The 2013 Tour du Suisse concluded on Sunday as it had started eight days ago – with an individual time trial.
But in contrast to stage one’s short, serene course, Sunday’s ninth stage from Bad Ragaz to Flumserberg was 26.8 kilometres in length, with the last 10 kilometres uphill.
Rui Costa of the Movistar Team started the day second overall and was well placed to defend the title he won last year.
But the majority of the crowd were backing Swiss rider Mathias Frank, who started the day 13 seconds clear of Costa at the top of the standings.
After changing to a lighter bike for the uphill section, Costa looked cool and composed.
The same could not be said of Frank, who was struggling on the climb, dripping with sweat and losing precious seconds.
Costa powered to the finishing line in what proved to be a stage winning time of 51 minutes and 56 seconds – more than enough to complete the defence of his Tour du Suisse title.
Frank of the BMC Racing Team then finished the stage down in 19th place, almost two minutes off Costa’s mark, and fell to fifth in the final standings.
Mollema and Kreuziger were the main beneficiaries of Frank’s struggles, claiming second and third place respectively overall.
And the Portuguese became the first rider since American Andy Hampsten in 1987 to win the Tour du Suisse in successive years.
