Roosen claims Tour des Fjords stage 2

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Timo Roosen soloed to his first professional victory, making a successful solo attack on stage 2 of the Tour of Fjords into Norheimsund. It took 30 kilometres, and succeeded by just three seconds over the peloton, led to the line by Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), but the LottoNl-Jumbo rider made it.

"I rode full-gas and it hurts, but it was all worth it," Roosen said. "You know this is a race where you get a chance, and you hope for a good result and to race for the victory."

Roosen attacked the day's early breakaway was caught with 50km to go and a climb had reduced the peloton to around 30 riders. His move came on the descent, and caught the peloton off-guard.

"The speed of the group was high enough so I thought this was the time to try it and make the difference. I entered the descent and fought for every second. You know it can be very close and it also turned out to be close on the finish.

"It was a big relief. Of course you are dreaming about a victory and in some races, you feel very strong and it does not work out. Yesterday, a Belgian won his first professional victory. I saw how nice it was and thought immediately, 'I want that too.' The fact that it happens a day later is beautiful."

Dries Van Gestel (Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise), the winner from the breakaway on stage 1, finished in the front group to keep his overall race lead. Roosen moved up to second overall at 24 seconds, with Boasson Hagen in third at 31.

"Today was the toughest stage of this race. The team showed that they are very strong, so we have to see how the next days develop, but it looks like we are in a strong position. I like racing here in Norway and did well at Tour des Fjords also last year, so I am very positive for the next three days," said Van Gestel.

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