Nordhagen moves up to second place in the O Gran Camiño general classification
# Nordhagen Climbs to Second Place in O Gran Camiño General Classification
In a thrilling 169-kilometre stage from Carballo to Padrón, young Norwegian cyclist Jørgen Nordhagen has made headlines by moving up to second place in the general classification of the O Gran Camiño. The stage featured a challenging obstacle: the Alto Pico Muralla, a second-category climb where Nordhagen demonstrated exceptional skill and stamina by ascending alongside some of the sport’s elite riders, eventually reaching the summit with a group of five.
Nordhagen’s performance was not just about climbing; he also amassed valuable bonus seconds, strengthening his position for the overall standings. Despite crossing the finish line in sixth place, 25 seconds behind stage winner Iván Romeo, Nordhagen initially celebrated as the new leader of the general classification. However, after a recalculation, it was determined that Alessandro Pinarello of NSN Cycling Team had taken the lead instead.
Sports director Robert Wagner reflected on the day’s race, stating, “In the final, it turned into a tactical battle between the leaders.” He also emphasized the strategic element in the final moments of the race. “At one point, three riders broke away; after that, Yates and Jørgen exchanged glances for a fraction of a second. After that, it was man against man, and although Jørgen lost a few seconds to Pinarello, he gained a few on Yates. All in all, I don’t think it was such a bad day after all.”
Looking ahead, Wagner added, “That works in our favour, because now the ball is in NSN’s court. Tomorrow’s stage is so gruelling that there will undoubtedly be a gap of several seconds. Jørgen is in a strong position and showed today that he can keep up with the best on the climb. That’s a good sign.”
### Stage 3 Results
1. **Iván Romeo** – Movistar Team: 03:52:33
2. **Alessandro Pinarello** – NSN Cycling Team: +00:00:15
3. **Abel Balderstone** – Caja Rural – Seguros RGA: +00:00:15
6. **Jørgen Nordhagen** – Team Visma | Lease a Bike: +00:00:25
### General Classification
1. **Alessandro Pinarello** – NSN Cycling Team: 07:24:30
2. **Jørgen Nordhagen** – Team Visma | Lease a Bike: +00:00:00
3. **Nelson Oliveira** – Movistar Team: +00:00:12
With the race heading into its next challenging stage, all eyes will be on Nordhagen as he seeks to reclaim leadership of the O Gran Camiño.
