Nikias Arndt admits he was "surprised by Gaviria" following the Colombian's emphatic victory on the final stage of the Tour de Romandie

After having to settle for second on the final stage of the Tour de Romandie behind the Movistar Team sprinter Fernando Gaviria, Nikias Arndt admits he was taken aback by the powerful nature of the Colombian's final sprint.

"Gaviria did this very well," the 31-year-old German said in a post-stage interview with Eurosport taken immediately after the conclusion of the Tour de Romandie's final stage. “We, INEOS Grenadiers and EF Education-EasyPost wanted to follow him, but unfortunately we couldn't. Then a quick final followed.”

Sadly for the Bahrain - Victorious rider, once Gaviria launched his sprint earlier than everyone had expected, Arndt and the rest of the bunch's fast men could only battle it out for best of the rest. A battle Arndt would ultimately win, finishing second ahead of Ethan Hayter in third.

“It was a battle for the spots in the final, but I was well supported and dropped off by the team,” said Arndt. “I was in a perfect position and I felt good, but I was also surprised by Gaviria. After that it was difficult to get his wheel. I would like to congratulate him on that.”