Tour of Beijing: Mezgec takes final stage win, Meier in breakaway, Intxausti takes overall victory

The WorldTour ended Tuesday with the final stage of the Tour of Beijing, a circuit race won in a thrilling sprint by Slovenian Luka Mezgec of Argos-Shimano. Monday’s stage victor and race leader Benat Intxausti (Spain/Movistar) finished safely in the pack to take the title of the Tour of Beijing’s third edition.

Canadian Christian Meier (Orica-GreenEdge) was part of the day’s breakaway that also included retirees Marco Pinotti (Italy/BMC) and Juan Antonio Flecha (Spain/Vacansoleil). However, the escapees were brought to rein on the last of thirteen 7.8-km circuits that ended at the Bird’s Nest Piazza. Two time champion Tony Martin (Germany/Omega Pharma-Quick Step) threatened the GC by bolting, but Belkin’s work on the front brought him back.

In the final sprint Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ), double stage winner and red jersey wearer, started his surge a little early and Mezgec was able to grab his wheel and then dispatch his opponent by the line. Moreno Hofland (The Netherlands/Belkin) came third.

Intxausti hung on to his ten second lead over runner-up Dan Martin (Ireland/Garmin-Sharp). David Lopez (Spain/Sky) placed third while new world champion Rui Costa (Portugal/Movistar) finished just off the podium.

With the final race of the WorldTour tallied, Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain/Katusha) wins the men’s elite individual honours with 607 points to Brit Chris Froome’s 587. Rodriguez’s compatriot Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) is third with 540 points. Top Canadian is Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) in 68th place with 75 points.

Intxausti’s win ensures that Movistar wins the top team honours, with 1610 points to Sky’s 1561 and Katusha’s 1340. Spain is the number one country at 1890 points, Italy second with 1082 and a resurgent Colombia third with 1011. Canada placed 21st this year.