Published on : 09/19/2026
The fourth stage of the Okolo Slovenska had all the makings of a sprinters’ stage. However, the day’s breakaway held on until the finish, denying the peloton a mass sprint finish.
In this context, Jenthe Biermans secured 8th place. It’s a result that inevitably leaves some regrets, but it can also be explained by the nature of the race and the composition of the teams present.
With only six riders at the start, Cofidis couldn’t handle the chase on its own, especially since the team also has a clear goal with Jamie Meehan in the general classification. Simon Carr nevertheless contributed to the effort to try to close the gap, but cooperation from the other teams with sprinters was also necessary to truly catch up to the leaders.
Cofidis therefore chose to conserve some of its energy for the final stage, which is the team’s main objective in this race.
Now it’s time for the final stage, with a whole new set of challenges. Jamie Meehan, the team’s sole leader, will have the opportunity to contend for the general classification on a course different from the one on Saturday, September 19.
The reaction
Evaldas Siskevicius, sports director of Cofidis:
“Frustrating? Yes and no. Sometimes you just have to accept it. We only had six riders, and I couldn’t afford to put even more of them on the wheel to catch the breakaway. But it was also up to the other teams with sprinters to do the work. They waited too long.
Jamie is our sole leader; we’re going to give it our all. We’ve seen that he’s in good form. Two riders might be slightly better than him on this stage, but it’s a completely different climb from what we saw the other day. I remain hopeful that we can pull off something good.”