At the end of the season Team Vorarlberg rises up to a challenge that can also be regarded as an award for the so far outstanding season: The participation in the prestigious Tour of Hainan stage race in China ranked by the UCI in the highest category 2.HC. In four of nine stages the STEVENS Xenon equipped riders of the Austrian Continental Teams sprinted to top ten finishes - resulting in a second place in the overall team ranking.

Already in the first 88km (55mls) long stage the team of sprinters Francesc Zurita and Zsolt Dèr demonstrated great spirit not being overwhelmed by the 46kph (28.6mph) average speed or in the final bunch sprint. Francesc Zurita came in 12th. Thanks to the good results of his team mates (17., 28., 30. and 31.) the Stevens Xenon equipped team rose to third in the team classification – and even improved to second place after stage four.

At first it was Zsolt Dèr to show his sprint talent. In the second and at 230.2km (143mls) longest stage he finished 10th to become best Continental rider. A great proof of his capabilities that the all-rounder from Hungary was able to confirm by coming in 11th in the third stage.

In the 159.4km (99mls) long stage featuring two intermediate sprints and one KOM – he was able – supported by a well collaborating team – to make the most out of his strengths and finish 5th in the bunch sprint. Francesc Zurita completed the perfect result by finishing in 10th place.

Two riders in the top ten of a stage of a hard and well-cast race - an intermediate result that makes us happily looking forward to the upcoming final five stages with alternating flat and mountainous profiles. Overall leader at halftime is Max Walscheid of Team Giant Alpecin in front of Roberto Ferrari of Lampre-Merida and Brazilian rider Rafael Andriato of Team Wilier-Southeast (ITA). Results in Procyclingstats.