Hat-tricks are special regardless of the sport, but to win an event as gruelling as the Tour de Suisse three years in a row is some achievement.
That Rui Costa completed his remarkable treble in the colours of the world road race champion, and by winning the final stage, places it among the most impressive performances of the season.
The Portugese will look forward to the Tour de France with renewed interest, having broken a frustrating streak of six second-placed finishes.
Following Andrew Talansky’s surprise triumph at last week’s Criterium du Dauphine, the Tour de Suisse represents another victory let slip by the sport’s biggest teams.
Tony Martin’s performance in Switzerland mirrored Chris Froome’s in the French Alps almost exactly, with both men winning the opening stage time trial and losing the yellow jersey of race leader on the final stage. The ‘super teams’ would do well to learn the lesson of the final pre-Tour de France tune-ups.
Enjoy this gallery of the final stage action from the road to Saas-Fee, captured through the lens of official UCI WorldTour photographer, Stefano Sirotti.
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Rui Costa attacked mid-stage to lay the foundations for a memorable third consecutive overall victory at the Tour de Suisse. pic: ©Sirotti
Hot pursuit
Tony Martin chased hard in a bid to limit his losses to Costa and retain the yellow jersey, but the world time trial champion lost 2.18 to the world road race champion, and with it the yellow jersey. pic: ©Sirotti
Aussie grit
Cadel Evans delivered his trademark determined display but the Australian veteran could manage no better than 19th on the stage, and 11th on the final general classification. pic: ©Sirotti
Yesterday's man?
Andy Schleck turned in another anonymous performance and ended his Swiss campaign 29th overall, more than 15 minutes behind winner, Rui Costa. The 2010 Tour de France 'winner' is unlikely to start this year's Grande Boucle among the favourites. pic: ©Sirotti
To the victor, the spoils
Rui Costa adds another jersey to his collection. The world road race champion will fancy pulling on another yellow jersey at next month's Tour de France. pic: ©Sirotti
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