16/05/2012

PETER SAGAN SCORES RECORD-BREAKING HAT-TRICK. Three for three at the Tour of California

Another storming sprint by the Slovakian champion in Livermore



Sagan, Sagan and ... Sagan. Liquigas-Cannondale’s 22-year-old rider continues his domination of the Tour of California: he sprinted to another victory in the third stage (185 km San Josè-Livermore) ahead of Haussler and Boonen. Sagan’s extraordinary win came off outstanding support work by the entire Liquigas-Cannondale team who rode exceptionally for long stretches of the race so he could contest the sprint once again. In the final sprint it Sagan’s turn to put on a spectacular show. He started from third position, came around and sprinted passed the others with pure explosive power.



«This winning streak is going beyond all my wildest dreams, » Sagan explained, «Especially as I hadn’t raced for over a month. Of course I’m really happy and I want to share my joy with all my teammates because we all worked hard to get these wins. I’m calm and tranquil in this race, just trying to do everything I can to ensure the team’s work pays off. I like winning and I’ll do it every chance I get. I rely on my instinct in the final kick. Today I didn’t want to leave myself open so I came from behind and only came around at the right moment. Everything has worked out brilliantly so far but I’ve got no illusions: the next stages are tough and then there’s the time trial. That will be the ideal ground for the guys who want to, and can, win the GC. »



So for the third day running Peter Sagan retains the yellow leader’s jersey as well as the points and young rider jerseys. The Slovakian has now clocked up six wins this season and Liquigas-Cannondale is up to 18.