This was a great example of how to take a stage. A few observations.
The course: hilly, with some challenges in the final 20 miles - the final modest climb, a technical downhill, and several turns up to the finish line. All of this gives you something to work with.
Mid-tour, his team switched from supporting one rider (Sagan, who left injured) to seeking stage wins.
Likely Konrad and team planned this before the stage began, and saw how it might work.
You cannot be threatening to the overall standings.
Everyone knows a non-threatening breakaway will be allowed. You can use that as your platform.
Konrad broke from the breakaway group just at the beginning of the final big climb.
He really pressed hard on the two descents.
He was lucky that the whole front breakaway group was not too big. You cannot really plan that, although you can ride hard and try to get a few guys to drop.
Wih all of that, finally, ride it like you stole it.
The course: hilly, with some challenges in the final 20 miles - the final modest climb, a technical downhill, and several turns up to the finish line. All of this gives you something to work with.
Mid-tour, his team switched from supporting one rider (Sagan, who left injured) to seeking stage wins.
Likely Konrad and team planned this before the stage began, and saw how it might work.
You cannot be threatening to the overall standings.
Everyone knows a non-threatening breakaway will be allowed. You can use that as your platform.
Konrad broke from the breakaway group just at the beginning of the final big climb.
He really pressed hard on the two descents.
He was lucky that the whole front breakaway group was not too big. You cannot really plan that, although you can ride hard and try to get a few guys to drop.
Wih all of that, finally, ride it like you stole it.
