The spurt of the 8th stage in Schaffhausen became a clear prey of Peter Sagan (SVK/BOH), who had already been successful in Cevio in Ticino. Simon Spilak (SLO/KAT) remained overall first before the final time trial

Led by the Belgian champion Philipp Gilbert, the Quickstep team had built up a flawless sprinter train on the last 1000 m. But no weed could stand up to Peter Sagan’s flair and speed. The two-time road world champion already celebrated his 15th partial success in the Tour de Suisse. The premiere took place in 2011 in the 3rd stage. The Slovakian now only needs five more victories to crack the number 100 in his professional career.

“We controlled the race. My teammates did a great job. In the end, I also needed some luck. I am very happy about this victory,” said Sagan, who won the TdS points classification for the sixth time in his career. The Slovak also thanked the opponents: “After Quick Step had set up his move, they left me a place at their back wheels. That was a good starting position.”

Due to the technically demanding circuit, the UCI commissioners decided during the race to neutralize the last lap, i.e. to evaluate the times for the overall classification at the end of the 7th lap. The commissioners made this decision not least because of the intervention of the professionals, because after two rounds there was almost panic in the field.

“The commissioners acted correctly. The circuit was a bit dangerous, especially in view of our high speed”, explained Simon Spilak, who was the first rider of this circuit to succeed in defending the Maillot jaune, “not least because of my team colleagues, to whom I owe my sincere thanks”.

Although he finished 2nd in the final time trial in Bern two years ago behind Tom Dumoulin (NED) and thanks to this performance he achieved overall victory, Spilak was not able to make a forecast for the test against the clock on Sunday in Schaffhausen. “The route is difficult. I have to see what my legs will give me,” said the overall leader.