Makarska (Croatia), October 3rd – Team Bahrain Merida close to winning on stage 3 of the CRO Race. Grega Bole contested the reduced bunch sprint in Makarska and took second place.

It was a hectic day for the peloton, with race neutralised after the start in Okrug, due to strong winds. Riders were driven by team vehicles in Baška Voda, where they warmed up ahead of a new start to ride the last 47 km of the shortened course. The original 6-man breakaway was given their advantage back, but they couldn’t manage to stay away.

The climb with 14 km to go was selective and Team Bahrain Merida guys performed good teamwork to support Grega Bole, our fastest men for a sprint finish.

“I have to thank my teammates that put me in a good position on the climb and especially Haussler for his leading-out in the finale,” the Slovenian rider says after his second place “the sprint was all about legs and maybe I lost strength. I tried to go as fastest as I could to catch Gidich, but he was definitely the strongest. I’ve pushed to the limit and I’m satisfied with my result today”.

Yevgeniy Gidich (AST) won the stage and is also the new overall leader. In General Classification Grega Bole moved up to third place overall at 10”.

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