Astana’s Max Kanter 3rd in Stage 1 of Deutschland Tour

German rider Max Kanter of Astana Qazaqstan Team secured third place in the opening stage of the stage race Lidl Deutschland Tour, which concluded with a mass sprint, Kazinform News Agency cites the Team’s press service.

Despite numerous short climbs, a challenging stage profile and several attacks, the race ultimately came down to a sprint from a large group. Max Kanter managed to position himself well, allowing him to claim a podium spot.

“The final, like the race as a whole, was very tough. Before the stage, we discussed the possibility of a sprint, and the team worked excellently today, protecting me throughout the stage and helping me maintain position. We knew the speeds on the climbs would be high, but I managed to stay at the front. I didn’t follow the attacks and tried to stay in the group, hoping it would come down to a sprint. That’s exactly what happened — by the finish, all attacks had been neutralized, and in the sprint, I managed to show good speed and take third place”,  said Max Kanter.