The excitement culminated in the final stage of the Tour de Hainan, where Dutch cyclist Jesper Rasch shone by securing his first professional victory in an thrilling mass sprint. Meanwhile, the veteran Spanish rider Oscar Sevilla, at the age of 47, clinched the overall title of the tour, once again demonstrating his skill and experience on the roads.
Impressive sprint by Jesper Rasch
The fifth and final stage of the Tour de Hainan took place between Changjiang and Sanya and promised to be an exciting battle. While the terrain included some ascents, the last 25 kilometers were mostly downhill, foreshadowing an exciting finish.
While Spanish cyclist Oscar Sevilla maintained a slim one-second advantage over his closest rival, Sebastian Berwick, the focus was on the sprinters seeking a chance to shine that day. In the end, the race concluded with an thrilling mass sprint that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
In this sprint, Jesper Rasch of Team ABLOC CT showcased his speed by crossing the finish line first. Despite his experience in level 1.2 races, this was Rasch’s first time winning a higher-level competition. An impressive achievement and a milestone in his professional career.
Watch the finish:
The experienced Spanish rider, who competes for the Colombian team Medellin-EPM, maintained his overall lead by finishing the final stage within the peloton.
At 47 years old, Sevilla once again demonstrated his class and skills on the roads of Hainan, securing his position as the overall winner of the Tour of Hainan. This achievement is a testament to Sevilla’s longevity and talent in cycling, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected and successful cyclists of his generation.
Final Classification Tour of Hainan 2023:
