The final stage of Slovakia’s biggest cycling race culminated on Kráľova hoľa, a climb destined to become legendary in the years ahead. At 12.6 kilometres long with an average gradient of 8.7%, it certainly had all the necessary credentials. The main question was whether Van Eetvelt could defend the yellow jersey against Henrique Bravo (Soudal Quick-Step), who had emerged as the second-strongest rider on Kohútka.
The stage started in Sliač shortly after 10 a.m. Following a lengthy battle to establish the breakaway, the peloton split into two groups. All the Slovak riders, along with Bravo, found themselves in the second group. That was still the situation at the intermediate sprint in Detva, which was won by Jenthe Biermans (Cofidis), ahead of Villo (Biesse-Carrera) and Bittman (Kasper).
Martin Voltr (ATT) conquered the classified climb at Blato (5.0 km at 4.2%), although it had no significant impact on the polka-dot jersey standings. The peloton came back together on the following climb, Lom nad Rimavicou (14.0 km at 3.6%). Warre Vangheluwe (Soudal Quick-Step) was first over the summit, followed by Voltr (ATT), Ilski (Voster), Evertsen-Hegreberg (Lucky Sport), Desal (Soudal Quick-Step) and Lennert van Eetvelt (Lotto). The order clearly showed that the strongest teams had moved to the front of the peloton.
Before Šumiac (2.2 km at 3.3%), the lone Vangheluwe, who was later named the stage’s most combative rider, was joined by his teammate Desal. Together, they built a lead over the increasingly fragmented bunch. They were not caught until the ascent of Kráľova hoľa, where the general-classification contenders were ready to battle for victory.
With seven kilometres remaining to the summit, the peloton had already been reduced to a group containing the main favourites, including Novák and Riška. The strongest quartet then broke clear: Van Eetvelt (Lotto), Bravo, Decomble (Groupama) and Meehan (Cofidis). The Brazilian gradually dropped everyone with a series of attacks except the man in yellow, who ultimately beat him in the sprint.
Lennert van Eetvelt therefore claimed his second stage victory and secured the overall title. Henrique Bravo finished second, confirming his enormous potential. The same was true of third-placed Maxime Decomble, who had particularly impressed with his strength in Stage 3.
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