Copa America de Ciclismo opens up the Mini ManGame season in what will surely be a sprint finish. But with the top sprinters spread across the field, the winner is hard to call!
The first order of business is of course the daily breakaway, and it takes a while for one to form.
The first move to create a decent gap was Godet (BNP Paribas), Kulppi (Zoegas) and Higgerson (Commonwealth Bank).
But they were caught, and so Huang (Fuji) set off on a solo attack. Kulppi and Higgerson regained their positions at the front though, as they, Milan (Eroski), Sakellaridis (Argo Airways) and Robert (SFR) all caught up with Huang.
But Huang would have the last laugh as of these 6 riders, he was the only one who did then make it into the break of the day.
Remme (Zoegas) and the Brazilian Bulgarelli (Millenium) made up the trio, who were finally able to build up a couple of minutes lead.
It was Node4-Giordana who took the responsibility of leading the peloton for much of the race - with Edmondson and Downing taking turns at the front.
The first crashes both came from within the peloton, in separate incidents. First it was Klemme (Peugeuot), later followed by Marino (SFR).
At 20km to go, the 3 leaders Huang, Bulgarelli and Remme lead by 1'30 - and two more are putting in an attack from the peloton: Jamieson (Commonwealth Bank) and Stamsnijder (Rucanor).
Those two can't stay away though, as Node4 continue to up the pace and close down the gap to the breakaway.
News comes through of a big crash in the peloton though!
Heijboer (Van Merksteijn) caused it, but it is the other Dutch squad who are really feeling the effects as sprinter Stroetinga (Rucanor) is down! Other sprinters are also involved: Sancho (Millenium), Tleubayev (KazMunayGas) and De Ketele (Dexia). Their race is over, and they all sit up - no point trying to chase back.
More attacks from the peloton now as we head into the final 10km, and the break's lead is just 30 seconds.
Mohlmann (LKT), Barbe (Electrabel), Bernucchi (Miche) and Goesinnen (Rucanor).
It is surprising to see a Miche rider attack - are they not planning to set up a leadout train for one of their sprinting Fabios?
Stamsnijder (Rucanor) also follows the attacks, but it is no good, the attacks neutralise each other - and also catch the breakaway. We will have a sprint to decide the race.
And Node4-Giordana continue to lead the way. Last and McNally are acting as leadout men for Hawkins.
Frazer (Coldeportes), Borghesi (Miche), Mohlmann (LKT), Gomes Colinas (Eroski), Markov (Katusha), Banihammad (Fuji), and Horton (Node4) are closest to the front, although any sprint train organisation behind Node4 is unclear.
Further back are Brown (Commonwealth Bank), Hannachi (Argo Airways), Poulhies (SFR), Pierzga (Fuji), Clavero (Kalev), Kohler (Peugeot), Barbe (Electrabel), Pacheco (iBanesto), Martinez (BNP Paribas), Delgado Rubio (iBanesto) and Sabatini (Miche).
Also just about in touch are Higgerson and Jamieson (Commonwealth Bank), English and Northey (7-Eleven), Bernucci (Miche), Horst (Van Merksteijn) and Korkotyan (America Movil).
So much for the expected Miche sprint train then, with only Borhesi particularly well placed. The only train we have is for Node4, and it is McNally who opens up the sprint.
Gomes Colinas (Eroski) looks to surprise by going for a long sprint and he moves into the lead just outside the final kilometre. Banihammad (Fuji) is on his wheel, but Hawkins (Node4) has now made his jump past McNally.
Gomes Colinas quickly fades, but now it is Graeme Brown (Commonwealth Bank) who moves ahead, while Hawkins is being challenged by Poulhies (SFR) and Markov (Katusha).
Round the first of two left hand turns inside the final kilometre, Poulhies takes the lead ahead of Hawkins and Brown. But Korkotyan (America Movil) is flying having started a long way back, with Hannachi (Argo), Clavero (Kalev) and Pierzga (Fuji) moving into view.
As Hannachi challenges on the far left hand side of the road, Clavero is going for it on the far right hand side. Brown is not done yet either, but Pierzga also joins the front line. Frazer (Coldeportes) is following, and we finally have sight of Miche with Borghesi.
It's still Poulhies with 300 metres to go, but it is all about who can carry their speed to their line - and it is Adam Pierzga who wins the race for Fuji!
Clavero takes 5th, to edge out a fast finishing - but far too late - Borghesi, as Miche really disappoint. Fuji are the team with two in the Top 10, with Banihammad 7th.
Brown ends 8th, while Hawkins could not match his teams hopes in a tight finish and takes 9th. Korkotyan completes the Top 10.
