Andrey Zeits wins Tour de Kyushu, Antonio Nibali is 2nd

The Kazakh rider Andrey Zeits became the overall winner of the first edition of the Tour de Kyushu, ended today in Hita. Astana Qazaqstan Team did everything needed to protect the leadership of Zeits, which he took yesterday after the queen stage, Kazinform Agency reports.

“After an active start together with Antonio Nibali we went in the break of some 20 riders, all GC contenders were in that group. But with no really good collaboration, we could not keep the situation under control and, thus, three riders escaped again, while we had to wait for the peloton,” explained Andrey Zeits, the team's press service informed.

On the local laps in Hita, Astana Qazaqstan Team riders together with some other teams started chasing the break and almost caught them back, but three riders were able to stay away, playing the stage win. However, the peloton finished just 8 seconds later and, thus, Andrey Zeits defended his lead without any problem. Also, Antonio Nibali conserved his second place in the General Classification.

“Once again, our team did a great job and after the peloton came across our group, the guys came in front to start chasing the break and decreasing the gap. Well, at the end of the day we could not catch them, however, the main goal – to protect our lead – was accomplished. I am really happy with this win and it means a lot to me. Also, I am happy that we made it with Antonio Nibali and we represented together Astana Qazaqstan Team on the final podium,” said Andrey Zeits.