@VoetsT He's definitely our leader, great on cobbles, terrific skills on flat and a decent sprint.. let's hope for even better!
February 26th, 2017
Kuurne - Brussels - Kuurne - 1.HC
Kuurne - Kuurne 203.1kms
After yesterday's sunny and dry OHN, we're in for a different story today. Rainy, windy & cold conditions await us in Kuurne, and it'll be a real slog. Often considered a day for the sprinter's who can handle the cobbles, today's race ends with around 60kms of flat road. Before that however, are various tough - sometimes uphill - cobbled sections, and we can expect a drastically reduced group to head into that final flat circuit through Kuurne. We've got the same strategy as yesterday, with Keukeleire as our leader. I'll be protecting Jens, doing my best to stick around with the main group for as long as possible.
Many of the usual suspects are here to fight us for the win, thought yet again, no Peter Sagan. Quick-Step have also left behind Tom Boonen & Phillipe Gilbert, but of course still bring a very strong squad led by Niki Terpstra. BMC's Greg Van Avermaet is the favourite again, though with no Alexander Kristoff here, John Degenkolb will hope to go one better after yesterday.
Orica - Scott Team
Jens Keukeleire
Leader
Roger Kluge
Free Element
Luke Durbridge
Team Mate
Matthew Hayman
Team Mate
Mitchell Docker
Team Mate
Alexander Edmondson
Team Mate
Magnus Cort Nielsen
Team Mate
Svein Tuft
Team Mate
Race Report
A solid breakaway struggled to form today, as the unpredictable conditions meant the peloton didn't want another thing to worry about. The pack was altogether as they began to climb, with the first cobbled sections approaching fast.
Orica staying safe near the front
And as they hit the cobbles, the carnage began. Several crashes & punctures marred the group, as it began to split drastically. The uphill sections were especially tough, with BMC pacing the front.
Wet & wild conditions towards Brussels
And as they oassed the final cobbled section, a strong 24-man group formed at the front. Orica were very well represented, with 6 riders present. Due to their numbers they hit the front with Svein Tuft & Mitchell Docker, trying to drop some of the stragglers.
The leading group
Orica's pacing had dropped most of the helpers in the group, but all the favourites remained. Edmondson & Durbridge soon dropped off the back after giving it their all, and Keukeleire was the lone Orica rider. They hadn't managed to drop any favourites, and now their leader was isolated. Their tactics hadn't paid off here.
As the pace slowed, the non-sprinters made their moves, knowing they would be beaten in a group finish. Michael Valgren (Astana) & Matthieu Ladagnous (FDJ) were first off, as the exhausted group tried to follow.
Perfectly timed attack?
Many riders in the front simply couldn't follow the chase, but defending champ Jasper Stuyven, Van Avermaet, Degenkolb, Terprstra, Keukeleire and a few others caught up to the attackers.. and now Terpstra was off! Surrounded by fast men, he tried to make a gap as the finish line neared. Ladagnous & Valgren followed! The sprinters stayed calm and tried to pace them back and overtake them with their sprint.
Niki Terpstra in the lead
And the sprinters kicked, with Terpstra, Valgren & Ladagnous all still ahead by a couple of lengths, with Kuznetsov & Stuyven also ahead slightly. Degenkolb & Van Avermaet were on their tails, with Keukeleire caught behind.. would the sprinters overtake them?
Could they hold their narrow lead?
And Terpstra takes it! The chasers didn't have enough left in the legs, and the veteran holds on to a brave victory ahead of Michael Valgren. Another dissapointing result for Greg Van Avermaet, who would've hoped to be 2/2 this weekend.
A tight win in Kuurne for the Dutchman
Results
1
Niki Terpstra
Quick-Step Floors
4h24'28
2
Michael Valgren
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
3
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ
s.t.
4
John Degenkolb
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
5
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
6
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
7
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
8
Bert De Backer
Team Sunweb
s.t.
9
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
10
Rüdiger Selig
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Tiesj Benoot
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
12
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - Scott
s.t.
13
Frederik Backaert
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
14
Laurens De Vreese
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
15
Pieter Vanspeybrouck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
16
Edward Theuns
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
17
Fabio Sabatini
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
18
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
+ 45
19
Koen De Kort
Trek - Segafredo
+ 1'09
20
Jelle Wallays
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
21
Johan Le Bon
FDJ
s.t.
22
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
23
Mike Teunissen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
24
Magnus Cort Nielsen
Orica - Scott
s.t.
25
Jack Bauer
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
26
Jacopo Guarnieri
FDJ
s.t.
27
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
28
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
29
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
s.t.
30
Michael Schär
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
31
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
32
Lukas Pöstlberger
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
33
Thomas Voeckler
Direct Energie
s.t.
34
Mitchell Docker
Orica - Scott
s.t.
35
Marcus Burghardt
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
36
Zico Waeytens
Team Sunweb
s.t.
37
Luke Durbridge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
38
Andrey Zeits
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
39
Jhonatan Restrepo
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
40
Mickaël Delage
FDJ
s.t.
41
Dylan Teuns
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
42
Cédric Pineau
FDJ
s.t.
43
Michael Kolar
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
44
Tim Declercq
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
45
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
46
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
47
Moreno Moser
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
48
Loïc Vliegen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
49
Pim Ligthart
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
50
Reto Hollenstein
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
51
Boy Van Poppel
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
52
Wout Van Aert
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
53
Jelle Mannaerts
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
54
Mathieu Van Der Poel
Beobank - Corendon
s.t.
55
Alexis Gougeard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
56
Iljo Keisse
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
57
Mathew Hayman
Orica - Scott
s.t.
58
Thomas De Gendt
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
59
Paul Martens
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
60
Elmar Reinders
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
61
Maarten Wynants
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
62
Nick Van Der Lijke
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
63
Jos Van Emden
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
64
Søren Kragh Andersen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
65
Gaetan Bille
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
66
Kevin Van Melsen
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
67
Robin Stenuit
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
68
Pavel Kochetkov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
69
Matvei Mamykin
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
70
Dion Smith
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
71
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
72
Laurens De Plus
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
73
Roger Kluge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
74
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
75
Amaury Capiot
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
76
Jasper De Buyst
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
77
Laurent Pichon
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
78
Svein Tuft
Orica - Scott
s.t.
79
Miles Scotson
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
80
Thomas Boudat
Direct Energie
s.t.
81
Jonathan Hivert
Direct Energie
s.t.
82
Gijs Van Hoecke
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
83
Olivier Le Gac
FDJ
s.t.
84
Jan Bakelants
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
85
Maxime Vantomme
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
86
Fabien Grellier
Direct Energie
+ 4'30
87
Maxime Daniel
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
88
Preben Van Hecke
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
89
Jarl Salomein
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
90
Joeri Stallaert
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
91
Lennard Hofstede
Team Sunweb
+ 5'22
92
Patrick Konrad
Bora - Hansgrohe
+ 6'39
93
Arnold Jeannesson
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
94
Pierre-Roger Latour
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
95
Enrico Battaglin
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
96
Elie Gesbert
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
97
Arnaud Gérard
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
98
Christoph Pfingsten
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
99
Gianni Vermeersch
Beobank - Corendon
s.t.
100
Marc Sarreau
FDJ
s.t.
101
Simone Antonini
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
102
Erik Baska
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
103
Dries De Bondt
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
104
Kenneth Van Rooy
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
105
Artyom Zakharov
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
106
Louis Verhelst
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
107
Matteo Pelucchi
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
108
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
109
Timothy Dupont
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
110
Tom Meeusen
Beobank - Corendon
s.t.
111
Maxime Farazijn
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
112
Jérémy Cornu
Direct Energie
s.t.
113
Aidis Kruopis
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
114
Nicolas Cleppe
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
115
Gerry Druyts
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
116
Alexander Geuens
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
117
Laurens Ten Dam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
118
Dario Cataldo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
119
André Looij
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
120
Lindsay De Vylder
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
121
Lars Van Der Haar
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
122
Tony Hurel
Direct Energie
s.t.
123
Sébastien Delfosse
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
124
Hugo Houle
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
125
Olivier Pardini
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
126
Ben Gastauer
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
127
Victor Campenaerts
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
128
Pierre-Luc Périchon
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
129
Tim Merlier
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
130
Robby Cobbaert
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
131
Dmitriy Gruzdev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
132
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
133
Jérôme Baugnies
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
134
Dennis Coenen
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
135
Brecht Dhaene
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
136
Antoine Warnier
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
137
Lionel Taminaux
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
138
Marcel Meisen
Beobank - Corendon
s.t.
139
Benoit Jarrier
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
140
Marvin Tasset
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
141
Rob Peeters
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
142
Jimmy Duquennoy
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
143
Toon Aerts
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
144
Jens Wallays
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
145
Kenny Molly
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
146
Eliot Lietaer
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
147
Tiago Machado
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 10'11
148
Ludovic Robeet
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
149
Michiel Dieleman
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
150
Erwann Corbel
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
151
Rob Ruijgh
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
152
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
153
Jim Aernouts
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
154
Abram Stockman
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
155
Corne Van Kessel
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
156
Alexander Maes
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
157
David Boucher
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
158
Martijn Keizer
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
159
Robert Kiserlovski
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
160
Vincent Baestaens
Telenet - Fidea Lions
s.t.
161
Enric Mas
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
162
Jonathan Breyne
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
163
Laurent Pieters
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
164
Kevin Cant
Beobank - Corendon
s.t.
165
Jeroen Meijers
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
166
Arthur Baude
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
167
Chad Haga
Team Sunweb
s.t.
168
Michiel Stockman
Tarteletto - Isorex
s.t.
169
Alexander Cools
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
170
Haimar Zubeldia
Trek - Segafredo
+ 11'25
171
Jonas Degroote
Tarteletto - Isorex
+ 12'01
172
Jens Mouris
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
173
Charlie Arimont
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
174
Thomas Deruette
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
175
Tomas Petit
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
176
Martijn Budding
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
177
Paul Ourselin
Direct Energie
s.t.
178
Jan Reynaerts
Cibel - Cebon
s.t.
179
Nico Denz
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
180
Enzo Wouters
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
181
Franklin Six
AGO - Aqua Service
+ 19'11
182
Antoine Loy
AGO - Aqua Service
s.t.
183
Perrig Quemeneur
Direct Energie
+ 20'00
184
Lorenzo Blomme
Tarteletto - Isorex
+ 22'45
185
Stijn Caluwe
Beobank - Corendon
+ 23'14
186
Tom Bosmans
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
s.t.
187
Elias Van Breussegem
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
188
Jappe Jaspers
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
189
Etienne Van Empel
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
+ 25'43
190
Grégory Habeaux
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
+ 26'25
191
Jordi Van Dingenen
Pauwels - Vastgoedservice
+ 28'22
192
Brecht Ruyters
Cibel - Cebon
+ 29'15
...
29
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+1'09
And once again the 'sprinters race' turns out be not that at all, a terrific solo win for Terpstra! I hope to win races just like he did today, pure power, refusing to accept a sprint finish. Dissapointing that Jens couldn't do better, and in hindsight, if we had kept either Matt or Luke off the front today and followed those late attacks with one of them, it might've ended differently.. but hey, hindsight is 20/20!
A big opening weekend for me, and I get another big break from racing now, until late March when the cobbled classics continue at Dwars door Vlaanderen. Before that though, I'll recap all of our big races in late Feb & March, including Paris-Nice & Tirreno-Adriatico, as well as Milano-San Remo.
@Reveille Jens is looking very strong! Him, Hayman & Durbridge are a very fun team to play with.
@Tamijo Thanks! I spend a while looking for good screens, so I appreciate you noticing!
@VoetsT Don't worry, he's got a lot more in the tank.
March 21st, 2017
Race Recap - March 2017
Hey everyone, Alex here. I'm back to racing tomorrow with the Flemish cycling week starting, but while I've been training, it's been a big month for the team. The boys have been fighting hard at Paris - Nice & Tirreno - Adriatico, and of course Milano - San Remo just a few days ago, so I thought I'd fill you in on what's happened. Here's how we went...
05.03 - 12.03 - Paris - Nice - UWT
Spoiler
We came here with Caleb Ewan & Adam Yates, looking to win a stage in the sprints, and get a top-5 overall with Adam. Despite some great riding, Caleb fell short, finishing 2nd on 3 occasions, each time to André Greipel. Adam on the other hand put in a tremendous performance, finishing in 2nd overall.
Despite a great ride on the stage 4 ITT, he looked destined to finish in 4th place after losing over a minute to the favourites on the queen stage 7. But he fought back, and came in 2nd to Alejandro Valverde (his 10th win of the season) on the final stage, gaining 1'16" on 2nd & 3rd place Ilnur Zakarin & Vincenzo Nibali, flinging him back onto the podium. A terrific performance, and a great sign for later in the year.
Valverde pipping Yates on stage 8
On top of Adam's performance, his right hand man for the race Damien Howson came in 18th place, despite sacrificing a lot of time for his teammate. That result put him into 2nd place on the Young Riders Classification behind Adam! An amazing result for the guys, and proof we've got a very bright future ahead.
General Classification
1
Nairo Quintana
Movistar Team
29h00'02
2
Adam Yates
Orica - Scott
+ 1'39
3
Vincenzo Nibali
Bahrain - Merida
+ 1'53
4
Geraint Thomas
Team Sky
+ 2'15
5
Ilnur Zakarin
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 2'29
6
Robert Gesink
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
+ 2'40
7
Alejandro Valverde
Movistar Team
+ 2'59
8
Rui Costa
UAE Team Emirates
+ 4'35
9
Rigoberto Urán
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 4'36
10
Ion Izagirre
Bahrain - Merida
+ 5'40
Young Riders Classification
1
Adam Yates
Orica - Scott
29h01'41
2
Damien Howson
Orica - Scott
+ 7'34
3
Matvei Mamykin
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 10'27
4
Louis Meintjes
UAE Team Emirates
+ 11'35
5
Alberto Bettiol
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 12'18
08.03 - 14.03 - Tirreno - Adriatico - UWT
Spoiler
We came to the race of the two seas with a simpler goal: to prepare Esteban Chaves for the Giro. While in good form, he wasn't at an absolute peak, and it showed, as he struggled slightly. He finished in 8th place on the queen stage up the tough Monte Terminillo, and that's where he stayed in the GC.
With a team time-trial on stage 1, and a short ITT to finish the race, it was a race for a strong all-rounder. Chris Froome was the favourite, and took the leader's jersey into the final 10.2km time-trial, with a 9" lead over Tom Dumoulin. He was usurped in the end though, with Dumoulin winning the stage, 16" ahead of Froome, who had to settle for 2nd. One of our highlights of the race was Michael Hepburn's performance on the stage, finishing in 4th place after a very strong ride.
General Classification
1
Tom Dumoulin
Team Sunweb
24h32'02
2
Chris Froome
Team Sky
+ 9
3
Bauke Mollema
Trek - Segafredo
+ 1'25
4
Alberto Contador
Trek - Segafredo
+ 1'49
5
Primož Roglič
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
+ 1'58
6
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
+ 2'16
7
Domenico Pozzovivo
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 2'20
8
Esteban Chaves
Orica - Scott
+ 3'08
9
David De La Cruz
Quick-Step Floors
+ 3'28
10
Damiano Caruso
BMC Racing Team
+ 3'35
18.03 - Milano - San Remo - UWT
Milano - San Remo 292.8kms
La Classicissima proved again a very exciting race in 2017. This was a day marked on Caleb Ewan's calendar, as the possible bunch sprint would be a chance for a good result.
Roman Kreuziger tried to rip the race apart, attacking just before the downhill in the final few kilometres, trying to create a gap towards the line. He created a distance but was caught as the remaining riders sprinted to the line. Hot favourite Peter Sagan started his sprint early, but was overtaken by the field, and the sprint was won by Colombian jet Fernando Gaviria, just ahead of Nacer Bouhanni & Mark Cavendish. A breakout result that proves he is truly one of the fastest men on the planet.
The biggest win of Gaviria's career thus far
Caleb was very tired after the gruelling nearly-300km race, and came in 12th place. A decent result for the team on one of the biggest days of the season.
1
Fernando Gaviria
Quick-Step Floors
6h18'59
2
Nacer Bouhanni
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
3
Mark Cavendish
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
4
Sacha Modolo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
5
Michael Matthews
Team Sunweb
s.t.
6
Elia Viviani
Team Sky
s.t.
7
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
8
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
9
Rick Zabel
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
10
John Degenkolb
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
11
Dylan Groenewegen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
12
Caleb Ewan
Orica - Scott
s.t.
Well there we are, a very promising start to the year! Watching Adam's performance on the final stage of PN was amazing, he really took the race by the horns and pulled himself back onto the podium. And Damien's work for Adam was incredible too, he's really proving a tremendous talent.
As I said earlier, Flemish cycling week starts tomorrow in Flanders, and I've been prepping very well with the guys, so I'm very excited to get back into it.
@Everyone Thanks, I was very happy with Adam's work at PN!
March 22nd, 2017
Dwars door Vlaanderen - UWT
Brugge - Oudenaarde 216.8kms
We're back in Flanders for one of the toughest races on the early season calendar. A perfect warm-up for the Tour of Flanders next week, with many of the same climbs used today. We're here with our usual team, with Luke, Jens & Matt leading us through the brutal terrain of the Ardennes. I'll try and stick around for as long as I can with the main group, but with today's course I feel only the very strongest will survive. There definitely won't be a bunch sprint today.
There's a slightly less star-studded field her compared to Omloop Het Niuewsblad, but Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Niki Terpstra & Zdenek Stybar (Quick-Step) are all here and are the riders to beat today. With slightly less competition, we feel a good result is definitely possible.
Orica - Scott Team
Jens Keukeleire
Co-Leader
Luke Durbridge
Co-Leader
Matthew Hayman
Team Mate
Mitchell Docker
Team Mate
Alexander Edmondson
Team Mate
Roger Kluge
Team Mate
Luka Megzec
Team Mate
Svein Tuft
Team Mate
Race Report
The riders were very lucky today, as the rain had held off, and a crisp, sunny day emerged from behind the clouds. A breakaway got away early and was surely enjoying their ride out in front, however the joy would end soon as the first cobbled sections were on their way. The break got out to a 6 or so minute lead but would be caught up well before the end of the day.
Some nice scenery before the punishment began
As the first few cobbles were passed, the group began to shrink considerably. The 200 rider peloton had been reduced to a 30-man group, with more falling off the back one-by-one. Quick-Step were in charge of pacing at the front, with BMC & Orica also staying safe up the front.
Halfway through the race and the pace was high
As the riders reached some of the hardest climbs of the day, the break was caught, and the lead group was down to 20 riders. Orica had a strong presence, with Keukeleire, Durbridge, Hayman & Edmondson all still looking comfortable near the front.
Today's winner was somewhere in this group
And in the blink of an eye, Van Avermaet is off! Tremendous timing from the Belgian, his surpise attack ripping apart the front group. Terpstra, Stybar & Edward Theuns were hard on his tail but GVA was looking very strong. Riders were struggling left & right, with Luke Durbridge the only man capable of chasing the front 4.
Having struggled so far this year, perhaps today is GVA's day?
And soon the gap between Van Avermaet and the followers was very big, no one would catch him today. Durbridge put in a brilliant ride, catching Terpstra & Stybar solo, with Theuns struggling behind them.
BMC's man was proving far too strong
And Van Avermaet rolls to the line, well ahead of his challengers. A terrific solo win for the Belgian, clearly the strongest today, and a great sign for the upcoming Tour of Flanders.
Too tired to celebrate after a gruelling ride
And Niki Terpstra comes in 2nd, just ahead of an impressive Luke Durbridge and team-mate Stybar, with Theuns on their tail to round out the top-5.
Another strong result for Orica here in Belgium
1
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
4h58'51
2
Niki Terpstra
Quick-Step Floors
+ 1'07
3
Luke Durbridge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
4
Zdenek Stybar
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
5
Edward Theuns
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
6
Marcel Sieberg
Lotto - Soudal
+ 2'48
7
Florian Sénéchal
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
8
Imanol Erviti
Movistar Team
s.t.
9
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - Scott
s.t.
10
Koen De Kort
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Stijn Vandenbergh
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 4'03
12
Filippo Pozzato
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
13
Jan Bakelants
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 5'32
14
Adrien Petit
Direct Energie
+ 6'14
15
Iljo Keisse
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
16
Jempy Drucker
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
17
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 6'58
18
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
19
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
20
Mike Teunissen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
21
Bert De Backer
Team Sunweb
s.t.
22
Piet Allegaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 8'33
23
Thomas Voeckler
Direct Energie
s.t.
24
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
25
Søren Kragh Andersen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
26
Cyril Lemoine
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
27
Jelle Wallays
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
28
Mathew Hayman
Orica - Scott
s.t.
29
Grégory Rast
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
30
Gaetan Bille
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
31
Tim Declercq
Quick-Step Floors
+ 9'45
32
Jack Bauer
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
33
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
34
Luka Mezgec
Orica - Scott
s.t.
35
Thomas Degand
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
36
Maarten Wynants
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
37
Bernhard Eisel
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
38
Mitchell Docker
Orica - Scott
s.t.
39
Bert Van Lerberghe
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
40
Salvatore Puccio
Team Sky
s.t.
41
Jos Van Emden
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
42
Scott Thwaites
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
43
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
44
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
+ 10'52
45
Stijn Devolder
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
46
Bart De Clercq
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
47
Sean De Bie
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
48
Cyril Gautier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
49
Frederik Frison
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
50
Leigh Howard
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
51
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
52
Maxime Vantomme
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
53
Antoine Duchesne
Direct Energie
+ 12'25
54
Jasha Sütterlin
Movistar Team
s.t.
55
Kristian Sbaragli
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
56
Johan Le Bon
FDJ
+ 13'19
57
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
58
Jacopo Guarnieri
FDJ
s.t.
59
Roger Kluge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
60
Loïc Chetout
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
61
Loïc Vliegen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
62
Adam Blythe
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
63
Jonas Van Genechten
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
64
Wout Van Aert
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
65
Maxime Daniel
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
66
Iuri Filosi
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
67
Laurens De Plus
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
68
Paul Martens
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
69
Anthony Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
70
Gorka Izagirre
Movistar Team
+ 14'31
71
Dylan Teuns
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
72
Raymond Kreder
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
73
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
74
Michael Van Staeyen
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
75
Robin Stenuit
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
76
Jonathan Hivert
Direct Energie
s.t.
77
Robert Wagner
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
+ 15'54
78
Anthony Delaplace
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
79
Jarl Salomein
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
80
Łukasz Wiśniowski
Team Sky
s.t.
81
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
82
Nathan Van Hooydonck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
83
Pieter Vanspeybrouck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
84
Ignatas Konovalovas
FDJ
s.t.
85
Michel Kreder
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
86
Jay Thomson
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
87
Stijn Steels
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
88
Ruben Guerreiro
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
89
Gianluca Brambilla
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
90
Jérôme Baugnies
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
91
Liam Bertazzo
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
92
Maxime Farazijn
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 16'57
93
Nick Van Der Lijke
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
94
Florian Vachon
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
95
Lilian Calmejane
Direct Energie
s.t.
96
Benoit Jarrier
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
97
Mathias Frank
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
98
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
99
Arnaud Gérard
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
100
Rubén Fernández
Movistar Team
s.t.
101
Christian Knees
Team Sky
s.t.
102
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
103
Marco Canola
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
104
Daniel Felipe Martinez
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
105
Ryan Anderson
Direct Energie
s.t.
106
Elmar Reinders
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
107
Kevyn Ista
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
108
Rory Sutherland
Movistar Team
s.t.
109
Marc Fournier
FDJ
+ 19'15
110
Guillaume Levarlet
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
111
Olivier Le Gac
FDJ
s.t.
112
Jimmy Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
113
Jimmy Duquennoy
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
114
Xandro Meurisse
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
115
Alex Turrin
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
116
Fumiyuki Beppu
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
117
Pim Ligthart
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
118
Romain Cardis
Direct Energie
s.t.
119
Mikaël Chérel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
120
Lars Petter Nordhaug
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
121
Ben Gastauer
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
122
Pierpaolo De Negri
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
123
Victor Campenaerts
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
+ 20'07
124
Alan Marangoni
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
125
Amaury Capiot
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 20'30
126
Sam Oomen
Team Sunweb
+ 21'08
127
Grégory Habeaux
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
128
Peter Stetina
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
129
Krists Neilands
Israel Cycling Academy
s.t.
130
Cristian Rodriguez
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
131
Eliot Lietaer
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
132
François Bidard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
133
Beñat Intxausti
Team Sky
s.t.
134
Sebastian Henao
Team Sky
+ 22'28
135
Damiano Cunego
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
s.t.
136
Dries De Bondt
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
137
Omar Fraile
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
138
Ian Boswell
Team Sky
s.t.
139
Léo Vincent
FDJ
s.t.
140
Vasil Kiryienka
Team Sky
s.t.
141
Stan Godrie
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
142
Gregory Daniel
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
143
Dimitri Peyskens
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
144
Daniel Turek
Israel Cycling Academy
s.t.
145
Julen Amezqueta
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
146
Lennard Hofstede
Team Sunweb
+ 24'53
147
Martijn Budding
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
148
Steve Morabito
FDJ
s.t.
149
Alberto Cecchin
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
150
Maxime Bouet
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
151
Moreno Hofland
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
152
Fabien Doubey
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
153
Svein Tuft
Orica - Scott
s.t.
154
Jeroen Meijers
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
155
Martijn Tusveld
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
+ 25'57
156
Romain Guillemois
Direct Energie
+ 26'18
157
Egan Arley Bernal
Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec
s.t.
158
Antonio Pedrero
Movistar Team
s.t.
159
Lachlan Morton
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
160
Jens Mouris
Roompot - Nederlandse Loterij
s.t.
161
Chris Hamilton
Team Sunweb
s.t.
162
Julien Stassen
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
163
Lawrence Naesen
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
164
Boris Vallée
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
165
Brice Feillu
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
166
Conor Dunne
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
167
Hamish Schreurs
Israel Cycling Academy
+ 29'00
168
Alexey Vermeulen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
169
Steven Lammertink
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
170
Stefan Denifl
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
171
Dorian Godon
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
172
George Bennett
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
173
Jaco Venter
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
174
Daniel Pearson
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
175
Sindre Lunke
Team Sunweb
s.t.
176
Hector Carretero
Movistar Team
+ 30'02
177
Larry Warbasse
Aqua Blue Sport
+ 30'40
178
Alessio Taliani
Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec
+ 31'01
179
Jappe Jaspers
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
180
Elias Van Breussegem
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 31'37
181
Mirko Trosino
Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia
s.t.
182
Rémy Mertz
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
183
Ruben Pols
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
184
Antoine Warnier
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
185
Marino Kobayashi
NIPPO - Vini Fantini
+ 33'12
186
Matteo Spreafico
Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec
s.t.
187
Mattia Frapporti
Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec
+ 34'53
188
Raffaello Bonusi
Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec
+ 36'19
...
17
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 6'58
Another great showing by the team! This time it was Luke, who rode solo for several kms to catch up and hop on the podium. Jens did very well too, sliding into the top 10. And I was our 3rd best rider, finishing 17th, which I was very happy with! All in all, a very succesful day. Greg will be hard to beat, he showed some real strength today.
We've got 2 more races coming up in the next 4 days, so it'll be a busy week. The Tour of Catalunya is on right now too, and word is we won the first stage, so I'll fill you in on that just before the Tour of Flanders in 11 days.
Until next time,
AlexEdited by Teddy The Creator on 25-07-2017 15:43
If the action from Wednesday's Dwars door Vlaanderen is anything to go by, today will be another exciting day in one of the key warm up races to De Ronde van Vlaanderen & Paris-Roubaix later in the month. This course is possibly even tougher than the DdV was on Wedneday, with several more tough cobbled climbs facing the riders. A top performance here is a good sign of form for the upcoming monuments.
Our proven cobbles team is here, with one change, as Magnus Cort Nielsen heads to the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. He's replaced by Luka Mezgec, a great cobbles rider. Luke & Jens are our outright leaders today, our final setup for the cobbles season after some experimentation with other setups. Once again the rest of us will be working our butts off to do anything we can to stick around as long as we can and help out our leaders.
A few bigger names here than previously, with Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) making his cobbles debut for the year, and the return of Tom Boonen & Phillipe Gilbert (Quick-Step), as well as Sep Vanmarcke (Cannondale-Drapac), Oliver Naesen (AG2R La Mondiale) & many more top classics riders. Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) will surely be looking to win again after his efforts in the Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Orica - Scott Team
Jens Keukeleire
Co-Leader
Luke Durbridge
Co-Leader
Matthew Hayman
Team Mate
Mitchell Docker
Team Mate
Alexander Edmondson
Team Mate
Roger Kluge
Team Mate
Luka Mezgec
Team Mate
Svein Tuft
Team Mate
Race Report
Despite some very cold weather and strong winds, the crowds were out in large numbers today to see the riders fight through the elements. The inevitable breakaway got away early today, gaining a maximum of 6'00" on the peloton. 100kms in and they were still leading, with the 15-man group looking strong.
A big 15-man group up the road
In the peloton, Quick-Step showed their muscle, sacrificing Phillipe Gilbert on the front of the pack to set a tough pace. His strength on the front reduced the group from 100+ to 40 with around 45kms to go. They had nearly caught up to the breakaway as the pace lifted once again, riders falling off the back thick and fast on the harsh cobbled hills.
Phillipe Gilbert starts to rip the pack apart
As the final breakaway riders were caught, with around 25kms left, Gilbert was still on the front. Orica's big 3 (Durbridge, Keukeleire & Hayman) were joined by young gun Alexander Edmondson & Luka Mezgec, looking strong in the now 28-man group. Peter Sagan & Oliver Naesen were now isolated and without teammates.
Gilbert eats up the breakaway
And the first attack! Vanmarke goes, quickly followed by GVA, Stuyven, Sagan & Stybar. Gilbert is now off the back. As a result of the attacks, the group lost some stragglers and a strong front group of just 18 riders formed. The attacks didn't stop though, as the non-sprinters tried their best to create a gap on Sagan, Degenkolb & GVA, the quickest three in the bunch. Keukeleire & Durbridge were the only riders left for Orica, as they entered the final 10kms.
With the cobbles all done for the day, it would be a scrappy fight to the line
With the finish getting closer and it looking like it's Sagan's race to lose, Luke Durbridge tries his luck at an attack. He's carried his form on from the Dwars door Vlaanderen here and looks very strong. This time it's Langeveld & Naesen on his tail, with the rest battling to hold on until the line.
The Aussie tries his luck
And under the 1km banner, realising he'd missed his chance, Durbridge leads the group towards the line in hopes his teammate Jens Keukeleire could make it happen in the sprint. Boonen & Moscon were on his wheel, with Sagan & Keukeleire looking very dangerous just behind. The sprint was on, would Sagan take the win?
1k left, who's got the legs today?
Yes he would! What a start to his classics season, the world champ looks dominant in the sprint and takes the win from Stuyven & Stybar who rode strong all the way to the line. A sprinting Van Avermaet & Keukeleire close out the top-5 in what is the best form check yet for the upcoming De Ronde.
A warning to Sagan's competitors
1
Peter Sagan
Bora - Hansgrohe
4h36'21
2
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
3
Zdenek Stybar
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
4
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
5
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - Scott
s.t.
6
Tiesj Benoot
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
7
John Degenkolb
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
8
Oliver Naesen
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
9
Luke Durbridge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
10
Gianni Moscon
Team Sky
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Sebastian Langeveld
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
12
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
13
Tom Boonen
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
14
Edward Theuns
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
15
Sep Vanmarcke
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
16
Fabio Felline
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
17
Luke Rowe
Team Sky
s.t.
18
Niki Terpstra
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
19
Luka Mezgec
Orica - Scott
s.t.
20
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 1'39
21
Thomas De Gendt
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
22
Philippe Gilbert
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
23
Mark Renshaw
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
24
Gaetan Bille
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
25
Scott Thwaites
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
26
Heinrich Haussler
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
27
Fumiyuki Beppu
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
28
Olivier Pardini
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
29
Loïc Chetout
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
30
Michael Mørkøv
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 2'48
31
Dylan Van Baarle
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
32
Mitchell Docker
Orica - Scott
s.t.
33
Marcel Sieberg
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
34
Ian Stannard
Team Sky
s.t.
35
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
36
Tim Declercq
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
37
Bernhard Eisel
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
38
Sacha Modolo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
39
Laurens De Vreese
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
40
Jack Bauer
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
41
Wouter Wippert
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
42
Lukas Pöstlberger
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
43
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
44
Robin Stenuit
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
45
Carlos Barbero
Movistar Team
s.t.
46
Mathias Frank
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
47
David Per
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
48
Dylan Teuns
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
49
Loïc Vliegen
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
50
Pieter Vanspeybrouck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
+ 4'45
51
Kenneth Vanbilsen
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
52
Jos Van Emden
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
53
Michael Valgren
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
54
Marcus Burghardt
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
55
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
56
Johan Le Bon
FDJ
s.t.
57
Baptiste Planckaert
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
58
Aleksejs Saramotins
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
59
Jacopo Guarnieri
FDJ
s.t.
60
Tom Van Asbroeck
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
61
Stijn Vandenbergh
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
62
Søren Kragh Andersen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
63
Mike Teunissen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
64
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
65
Maarten Wynants
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
66
Grega Bole
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
67
Adrien Petit
Direct Energie
s.t.
68
Quentin Jauregui
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
69
Federico Zurlo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
70
Gorka Izagirre
Movistar Team
s.t.
71
Matteo Montaguti
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
72
Axel Domont
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
73
Maciej Bodnar
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
74
Mads Würtz Schmidt
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
75
Wout Van Aert
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
76
Jarl Salomein
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
77
Antoine Duchesne
Direct Energie
+ 5'36
78
Gregor Mühlberger
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
79
Piet Allegaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 6'38
80
Jan Bakelants
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
81
Frederik Backaert
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
82
Jasha Sütterlin
Movistar Team
s.t.
83
Juraj Sagan
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
84
Marco Haller
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
85
Thomas Voeckler
Direct Energie
s.t.
86
Nathan Van Hooydonck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
87
Jenthe Biermans
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
88
Robert Wagner
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
89
Olivier Le Gac
FDJ
s.t.
90
Thomas Degand
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
+ 7'53
91
Roy Jans
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
92
Jonas Van Genechten
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
93
Grégory Rast
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
94
Kenny Dehaes
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
95
Danny Van Poppel
Team Sky
s.t.
96
Tom Leezer
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
97
Yohann Gène
Direct Energie
s.t.
98
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
99
Preben Van Hecke
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
100
Sander Armee
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
101
Bart De Clercq
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
102
Roger Kluge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
103
James Shaw
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
104
Mathew Hayman
Orica - Scott
s.t.
105
Giovanni Visconti
Bahrain - Merida
+ 8'49
106
Tom Dernies
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
107
Marc Fournier
FDJ
s.t.
108
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
s.t.
109
Yukiya Arashiro
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
110
Paul Martens
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
111
Omar Fraile
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
112
Frederik Frison
Lotto - Soudal
+ 10'02
113
Laurens Ten Dam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
114
Cyril Lemoine
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
115
Bert Van Lerberghe
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
116
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
117
Kevyn Ista
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
118
Jesús Herrada
Movistar Team
+ 10'34
119
Alex Dowsett
Movistar Team
s.t.
120
Andreas Schillinger
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
121
Manuel Senni
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
122
Michael Van Staeyen
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
123
Maurits Lammertink
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
124
Jonathan Hivert
Direct Energie
s.t.
125
Anthony Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
126
Amaury Capiot
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
127
Peter Stetina
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
128
Miguel Angel Lopez
Astana Pro Team
+ 13'25
129
Davide Formolo
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
130
Justin Jules
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
131
Fabien Doubey
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
132
Marco Minnaard
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
133
Nathan Brown
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
134
Lilian Calmejane
Direct Energie
s.t.
135
Jimmy Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
136
Victor Campenaerts
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
137
Jan Polanc
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
138
José Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
139
Georg Preidler
Team Sunweb
s.t.
140
Antonio Nibali
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
141
Enrico Battaglin
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
142
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
143
Ondrej Cink
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
144
Laurens De Plus
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
145
Kenneth Van Rooy
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
146
Joey Rosskopf
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
147
Dmitriy Gruzdev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
148
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
+ 14'52
149
Chris Hamilton
Team Sunweb
s.t.
150
Tsgabu Grmay
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
151
Jappe Jaspers
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
152
Ben O'Connor
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
153
Tao Geoghegan Hart
Team Sky
+ 15'47
154
Andrea Guardini
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
155
Maxim Belkov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
156
Rory Sutherland
Movistar Team
s.t.
157
Dario Cataldo
Astana Pro Team
+ 16'29
158
Jérémy Maison
FDJ
s.t.
159
Huub Duyn
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 17'22
160
Steve Morabito
FDJ
s.t.
161
Lennard Kämna
Team Sunweb
s.t.
162
Ludovic Robeet
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
163
Xandro Meurisse
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
164
Jaco Venter
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
165
Philip Deignan
Team Sky
s.t.
166
Romain Cardis
Direct Energie
s.t.
167
Anass Ait El Abdia
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
168
John Darwin Atapuma
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
169
Grégory Habeaux
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
170
Svein Tuft
Orica - Scott
s.t.
171
Beñat Intxausti
Team Sky
+ 19'02
172
Oliviero Troia
UAE Team Emirates
+ 19'25
173
Sindre Lunke
Team Sunweb
s.t.
174
Serge Pauwels
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
175
Antoine Warnier
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
+ 20'16
176
Elias Van Breussegem
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
177
Hubert Dupont
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 20'46
178
Anthony Roux
FDJ
+ 21'31
179
Alex Howes
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 22'44
180
Zhandos Bizhigitov
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
181
Lindsay De Vylder
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 23'53
182
Perrig Quemeneur
Direct Energie
s.t.
183
Hector Carretero
Movistar Team
+ 24'41
184
Daniil Fominykh
Astana Pro Team
+ 26'15
185
Ruben Pols
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
186
Otto Vergaerde
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 27'35
...
20
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 1'39
Another very good result for the team! We faced a stronger field but still had 2 guys in the top-10, a result we can be very proud of. And I finished in 20th place, leading the chasing group over the line, my best performance yet in my opinion. A very good sign as I reach my early season peak next week at De Ronde.
Another warm-up race done and the excitement builds for the big ones!
Gent - Wevelgem is on Monday, see you there!
@tsmoha Edmo's getting some solid results, sticking around with the favourites for most of the race. We can't quite get that win but hopefully soon.
@Tamijo Some very realsitic results yeah! I'm enjoying them quite a lot, it's good to see my Orica reflecting the good results they had here IRL.
@VoetsT & sutty68 Thanks guys, fingers crossed for that first win!
March 26th, 2017
Gent - Wevelgem - In Flanders Fields - UWT
Gent - Wevelgem 245.1kms
Although considered a cobbled classic, today's route in the Gent-Wevelgem contains just one cobbled section. It's a tough one though, and paired with the various short hills, another so-called 'sprinter's classic' mightn't pan out that way at all. Today is definitely an easier course compared to recent days though, and we've made a change in our squad as a result, bringing in Caleb Ewan to try and take his chance if a sprint does end up materialising. If it doesn't, Jens & Luke will be there to try and capitalise, while I've got a slightly more free role today. I'll try stick around to the end and we'll see how I go.
The team's have brought their sprinters here today with the same idea as us, hoping it'll end in their favour. Mark Cavendish (Dimension-Data), Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step) & Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) join our usual suspects Sagan (2-time winner), Boonen (3-time winner) & Degenkolb (2014 winner), as well as Stuyven, Vanmarcke & co who will try and create a succesful breakaway. Two notable omissions from the starlist are Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) & Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), who are resting from what will be a very hard day, with 245kms of road ahead.
Orica - Scott Team
Jens Keukeleire
Co-Leader
Luke Durbridge
Co-Leader
Caleb Ewan
Sprinter
Matthew Hayman
Team Mate
Mitchell Docker
Team Mate
Alexander Edmondson
Team Mate
Roger Kluge
Team Mate
Luka Mezgec
Team Mate
Race Report
The break of the day was a small-one, with 3 riders getting out in front. Their lead reached around 7'00" but with a sprint in the minds of so many teams, it was a group effort chase and they were brought back before the 80km-to-go mark.
Georg Preidler (SunWeb) taking a drink in the breakaway
With the major cobble section now passed, and the hills coming thick and fast, Alex Edmondson (Orica) jumped on the front of the group to push a hard pace, trying to drop the likes of Cavendish, Ben Swift & Rick Zabel who were all in a bit of trouble near the back of the pack. His teammate Caleb Ewan was looking comfortable near the front however.
Edmondson leading the group through the gravel roads
And the first attack comes from Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto)! He catches the group slightly off guard, and gets a decent gap. Orica continue the chase though, as they have 6 riders left in the main group. Cannondale join in, and soon he's brought back. The pack is now very on guard and the race is well and truly on. 30kms remaining.
Riding for himself, or working for teammate Jens Debusschere?
And now an attack from Alex Edmondson! Clearly in good form, he lead the pack for 20kms and now he's attacking off the front! He gets a decent lead, but is all alone with 25kms left to ride, a very hard ask.
An exciting attack from the youngster, who's having a breakout classics season
Although he rode hard, as the 20km banner approached Edmondson was chased down, and Roelands tries again, jumping in front of the Aussie and into the lead. He would be unsuccesful again though, and the select group of 20 or so riders charged into the final 20kms. Cavendish & Gaviria were no were to be seen, with Caleb Ewan the only pure sprinter left in the group, though he was looking tired after nearly 230kms of challenging parcours.
A gallant effort from Edmondson
7kms left, and with Alex Edmondson having emptied the tank on the front, Luke Durbridge was now setting the pace. Boonen, Degenkolb, Sagan, Debusschere & Keukeleire where on his wheel, in that order, with Ewan sitting just behind them.
The sprinters preparing for the final dash
Final couple kms, and Keukeleire was first to go! A tactical move possibly as Ewan hops on his wheel, joined by Jasper Stuyven. The rest were caught slightly off by this early kick, and would have to catch up! Who would make it to the line first?
Jens Keukeleire sacrificing his chances for Caleb Ewan?
And despite looking like Ewan's race to lose, a very fast Jasper Stuyven wins the sprint! He was feeling it today, outsprinting some of the fastest guys in the peloton! Heartbreak for Orica as they take 2nd place with Ewan! The only pure sprinter to survive the 245kms, he couldn't get there in the end. Keukeleire got overtaken by Degenkolb & Sagan to complete the top-5.
Stuyven goes one better after 2nd in E3!
1
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
5h31'50
2
Caleb Ewan
Orica - Scott
s.t.
3
John Degenkolb
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
4
Peter Sagan
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
5
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - Scott
s.t.
6
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
7
Tom Boonen
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
8
Luka Mezgec
Orica - Scott
s.t.
9
Ian Stannard
Team Sky
s.t.
10
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Sep Vanmarcke
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
12
Mitchell Docker
Orica - Scott
s.t.
13
Jan Bakelants
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
14
Dylan Van Baarle
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
15
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
16
Iljo Keisse
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
17
Gianni Moscon
Team Sky
s.t.
18
Luke Durbridge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
19
Taylor Phinney
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
20
Kristjan Koren
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
21
Marcus Burghardt
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
22
Ruslan Tleubayev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
23
Mark Cavendish
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
24
Fernando Gaviria
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
25
Sonny Colbrelli
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
26
Luis León Sánchez
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
27
Borut Božic
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
28
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
29
Søren Kragh Andersen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
30
Mads Würtz Schmidt
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
31
William Bonnet
FDJ
s.t.
32
Floris Gerts
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
33
Frederik Frison
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
34
Jelle Wallays
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
35
Thomas Sprengers
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
36
Tom Van Asbroeck
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
37
Sergey Lagutin
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
38
Łukasz Wiśniowski
Team Sky
s.t.
39
Giovanni Visconti
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
40
Gaetan Bille
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
41
Edward Theuns
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
42
Jempy Drucker
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
43
Ben Swift
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
44
Vasil Kiryienka
Team Sky
s.t.
45
Alessandro De Marchi
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
46
Gregory Daniel
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
47
Wouter Wippert
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
48
Jack Bauer
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
49
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
50
Christoph Pfingsten
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
51
Heinrich Haussler
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
52
Michael Mørkøv
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
53
Thomas Voeckler
Direct Energie
s.t.
54
Fabio Felline
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
55
Lukas Pöstlberger
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
56
Sacha Modolo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
57
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
58
Nathan Brown
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
59
Roy Jans
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
60
Gorka Izagirre
Movistar Team
s.t.
61
Fabio Sabatini
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
62
Laurens De Vreese
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
63
Scott Thwaites
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
64
Dmitriy Gruzdev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
65
Roberto Ferrari
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
66
Danny Van Poppel
Team Sky
s.t.
67
Alexander Porsev
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
68
Tao Geoghegan Hart
Team Sky
s.t.
69
Olivier Pardini
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
70
Christian Knees
Team Sky
s.t.
71
Baptiste Planckaert
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
72
Georg Preidler
Team Sunweb
s.t.
73
Rick Zabel
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
74
Cyril Gautier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
75
Preben Van Hecke
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
76
Andrea Pasqualon
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
77
Yohann Gène
Direct Energie
s.t.
78
Shane Archbold
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
79
Nikolas Maes
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
80
Filippo Ganna
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
81
Valerio Agnoli
Bahrain - Merida
+ 3'28
82
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
s.t.
83
Maarten Wynants
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
84
Dries Devenyns
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
85
Bernhard Eisel
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
86
Primož Roglič
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
87
Jos Van Emden
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
88
Michael Kolar
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
89
Victor Campenaerts
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
90
Nikolai Trusov
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
91
Jasha Sütterlin
Movistar Team
s.t.
92
Julien Duval
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
93
Aidis Kruopis
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
94
Jasper De Buyst
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
95
Robin Stenuit
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
96
Kenny Dehaes
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
97
John Darwin Atapuma
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
98
Andrew Fenn
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
99
Daniil Fominykh
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
100
Jan Polanc
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
101
Domen Novak
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
102
Quentin Jauregui
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
103
Perrig Quemeneur
Direct Energie
s.t.
104
Truls Korsaeth
Astana Pro Team
+ 4'19
105
Mikaël Chérel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
106
Romain Guillemois
Direct Energie
s.t.
107
Michel Kreder
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
108
Lasse Norman Hansen
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
109
Jacopo Guarnieri
FDJ
s.t.
110
Ángel Vicioso
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
111
Marc Sarreau
FDJ
s.t.
112
Adam Blythe
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
113
Pavel Brutt
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
114
Mike Teunissen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
115
Wout Van Aert
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
116
Lennard Kämna
Team Sunweb
s.t.
117
Daniel Teklehaimanot
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
118
Tim Declercq
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
119
Enrico Battaglin
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
120
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
121
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
122
Samuel Dumoulin
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
123
Salvatore Puccio
Team Sky
s.t.
124
Maxim Belkov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
125
Roger Kluge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
126
Justin Jules
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
127
Rory Sutherland
Movistar Team
s.t.
128
Stijn Steels
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
129
Jérémy Cornu
Direct Energie
s.t.
130
Max Walscheid
Team Sunweb
s.t.
131
Antoine Duchesne
Direct Energie
s.t.
132
Stefan Denifl
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
133
Marc Fournier
FDJ
s.t.
134
Adriano Malori
Movistar Team
+ 5'48
135
Fumiyuki Beppu
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
136
Mathew Hayman
Orica - Scott
s.t.
137
Mark Renshaw
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
138
Pascal Ackermann
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
139
Larry Warbasse
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
140
Manuele Boaro
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
141
Tom Stamsnijder
Team Sunweb
s.t.
142
Alex Howes
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
143
Jenthe Biermans
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
144
Roman Maikin
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
145
Tom Devriendt
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
146
Jimmy Duquennoy
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
147
Lennard Hofstede
Team Sunweb
s.t.
148
Ryan Anderson
Direct Energie
s.t.
149
Joey Rosskopf
BMC Racing Team
+ 6'51
150
Alexey Tsatevich
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
151
Lorenzo Manzin
FDJ
s.t.
152
Fabien Doubey
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
153
Rudy Barbier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
154
Carlos Barbero
Movistar Team
s.t.
155
Andrea Guardini
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
156
Rémy Mertz
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
157
Christophe Premont
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
158
Federico Zurlo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
159
Jappe Jaspers
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
160
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
161
Ignatas Konovalovas
FDJ
s.t.
162
Antonio Pedrero
Movistar Team
s.t.
163
Kevyn Ista
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
164
Nathan Van Hooydonck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
165
Dries De Bondt
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
166
Jonas Rickaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
167
Andrey Solomennikov
Gazprom - RusVelo
+ 8'20
168
Tony Hurel
Direct Energie
+ 8'45
169
Julien Bérard
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
170
Ludovic Robeet
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
171
Artem Nych
Gazprom - RusVelo
s.t.
172
Mark Christian
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
173
Edward Planckaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
174
Lawrence Naesen
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
175
Moreno De Pauw
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
176
Alexey Vermeulen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
177
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
178
Ben O'Connor
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
179
Nuno Bico
Movistar Team
+ 10'55
180
Calvin Watson
Aqua Blue Sport
s.t.
181
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
182
Stef Van Zummeren
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
183
Nicolas Dougall
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
184
Jérémy Maison
FDJ
+ 13'20
185
Léo Vincent
FDJ
+ 13'47
186
Kenny De Ketele
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
187
Elias Van Breussegem
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 14'49
188
Julien Stassen
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
+ 16'46
...
82
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 3'28
So close yet again! It's hard not to be disappointed with so many podium spots and no wins, but we have to look at the positives, and boy there are plenty! We wanted top-10s and we got 3 in today's race alone! As for me, it was fun to try an attack, but unfortunately it didn't work out. Still, a very successful day for the team, and some great signs for RvV next Sunday.
A week off for me, then the big one.
See you then,
AlexEdited by Teddy The Creator on 27-07-2017 15:21
Today's the biggest day on the Belgian cycling calendar, the legendary Tour of Flanders! An always intense and truly gruelling course, along with Paris-Roubaix, it's the most prestigious cobbled race in cycling. A win here is a instant entry into the annuls of cycling history, a race truly worth it's legendary status.
Our tried and tested team is here, with domestique Svein Tuft swapped out for Magnus Cort who returns from a succesful trip in Catalunya. Luke & Jens are in top top form and are raring to go, just as the rest of us are! We've proved we can compete, now it's time to go for it on the biggest stage of all.
All the contenders are here, you know their names. One big omission however is Alexander Kristoff, who picked up an injury earlier this week, and he couldn't recover in time.
Enough talk, let's get into the racing.
Orica - Scott Team
Jens Keukeleire
Co-Leader
Luke Durbridge
Co-Leader
Matthew Hayman
Team Mate
Magnus Cort Nielsen
Team Mate
Mitchell Docker
Team Mate
Alexander Edmondson
Team Mate
Roger Kluge
Team Mate
Luka Megzec
Team Mate
Race Report
A large breakaway group got out in front early today, just like in every big monument like this, with the intention of TV time and the hope of a miracle. There were no particularly strong cobbles riders in the pack, with young Norwegian sprinter Sondre Holst Enger (AG2R) & Bart De Clercq (Lotto-Soudal) the most notable names. Their lead maxed out at around 10 minutes, but by the time the first cobbles arrive their lead was down to 5.
80 or kilometres of good TV time for the breakaway
After a fairly uneventful first half of the race, the cobbles started to arrive thick and fast, and the famously brutal climbs of the RvV started to take their toll on the peloton, who were in for a very long day. Until now the rain had held off though, one positive for the riders out there.
A long day ahead for the peloton
And just as the pace lifts and positioning is everything, a crash in the peloton! And some big name riders get caught up! Luke Durbridge (Orica), Lars Boom (LottonNL-Jumbo) & Ian Stannard (Sky) are all on the ground.. They're up again but theyre well behind now, could be their days over.. Massive dissapointment all round.
A terrible time to fall, is Durbridge's day over?
The cobbles were wreaking havoc on the riders, and a select group had now formed, with the breakaway in their sight. Once again the colours of the Belgian flag were visible at the front of the pack, with Phillipe Gilbert working for his leader's Boonen, Terpstra & Stybar. Despite losing Durbridge, Orica still had 4 riders in the front group, and it seems the chances of a good result were now sitting solely on Jens Keukeleire's shoulders.
The front group catches the breakaway
And an attack from Sagan! The race is well and truly on now, as Oliver Naesen hops on his wheel. They'll surely be brought back, but the end is now for those who aren't at their absolute best.
A show of strength by Sagan with 55kms left
As Roger Kluge & Alex Edmondson get dropped from the pack, Orica is down to just Matthew Hayman & Keukeleire in the now 18-man pack. Sagan looking scarily strong at the front of the group.
Orica down to just 2, although Durbridge is chasing hard behind
Final 20kms now and another attack, now from Greg Van Avermaet! This one is legit and the pack rips apart. Only Sagan can follow, but Niki Terpstra is pushing hard to catch up, while Boonen, Daniel Oss, Jasper Stuyven & Keukeleire just pushing to stick around near the front.
GVA's attack blows the race wide open
Terpstra catches them, and now it's just those 3 up front. Sagan, Van Avermaet, Terpstra. One of these three would win, but who? Less then 10kms left now, and once again the cream has risen to the top in Flanders.
Sagan, Van Avermaet & Terpstra. Who would win?
A clear following group had formed behind the front 3, but they had no chance of catching them, who were now more than a minute ahead. It was now a question of survival and racing for a top-5 spot. Oss led Naesen, Keukeleire & Luke Rowe.
Great efforts, but not quite enough today
And the final sprint was on! Sagan went first, looking behind him to see if they would follow. GVA was sitting comfortably on the wheel while Terpstra tries to follow!
Surely Sagan couldn't lose here?
Peter Sagan take a bow! The best rider in the world wins the Tour of Flanders for the 2nd straight year! GVA tried but was no match for Sagan's speed. Terpstra could only watch.
De Ronde is Sagan's once again!
And in the following group, Keukeleire wins the sprint! He takes 4th, a career best result for him after what has been a very impressive season so far. Surprise packet Daniel Oss takes 5th.
1
Peter Sagan
Bora - Hansgrohe
5h57'30
2
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
3
Niki Terpstra
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
4
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - Scott
+ 1'54
5
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
6
Oliver Naesen
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
7
Luke Rowe
Team Sky
s.t.
8
Tom Boonen
Quick-Step Floors
+ 2'58
9
Zdenek Stybar
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
10
Gianni Moscon
Team Sky
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Jasper Stuyven
Trek - Segafredo
+ 3'29
12
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Soudal
+ 4'36
13
Sep Vanmarcke
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 5'35
14
Dylan Van Baarle
Cannondale - Drapac
+ 6'06
15
Philippe Gilbert
Quick-Step Floors
+ 6'55
16
Lukas Pöstlberger
Bora - Hansgrohe
+ 7'17
17
John Degenkolb
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
18
Tiesj Benoot
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
19
Ian Stannard
Team Sky
s.t.
20
Martin Elmiger
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
21
Sebastian Langeveld
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
22
Fabio Felline
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
23
Sylvain Chavanel
Direct Energie
s.t.
24
Michael Valgren
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
25
Luke Durbridge
Orica - Scott
s.t.
26
Edward Theuns
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
27
Taylor Phinney
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
28
Fernando Gaviria
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
29
Mathew Hayman
Orica - Scott
s.t.
30
Jelle Wallays
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
31
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
32
Marcus Burghardt
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
33
Laurens De Vreese
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
34
Roger Kluge
Orica - Scott
+ 9'35
35
Giacomo Nizzolo
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
36
Alexey Lutsenko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
37
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
38
Dries Devenyns
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
39
Maarten Wynants
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
40
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
41
Stijn Vandenbergh
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
42
Aleksejs Saramotins
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
43
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 10'18
44
Sacha Modolo
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
45
Nelson Oliveira
Movistar Team
s.t.
46
Danny Van Poppel
Team Sky
s.t.
47
Sonny Colbrelli
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
48
Søren Kragh Andersen
Team Sunweb
s.t.
49
Imanol Erviti
Movistar Team
s.t.
50
Grégory Rast
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
51
Wout Van Aert
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 12'05
52
Lars Boom
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
53
Ben Hermans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
54
Jacopo Guarnieri
FDJ
s.t.
55
Simone Antonini
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
56
Kenneth Vanbilsen
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
57
Baptiste Planckaert
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
58
Piet Allegaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
59
Jos Van Emden
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
60
Iljo Keisse
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
61
Floris De Tier
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
62
Bryan Coquard
Direct Energie
s.t.
63
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
64
José Joaquín Rojas
Movistar Team
s.t.
65
Thomas Voeckler
Direct Energie
s.t.
66
Marco Haller
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
67
Adrien Petit
Direct Energie
s.t.
68
Tom Devriendt
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
69
Maxime Vantomme
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
70
Florian Vachon
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
71
Jonas Van Genechten
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 14'59
72
Toms Skujins
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
73
Bart De Clercq
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
74
Gorka Izagirre
Movistar Team
s.t.
75
Mark Cavendish
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
76
Gaetan Bille
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
77
Luka Mezgec
Orica - Scott
s.t.
78
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
79
Mark Renshaw
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
80
Pieter Vanspeybrouck
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
81
Cyril Lemoine
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
82
Maurits Lammertink
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
83
Stijn Steels
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
84
Jérôme Cousin
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
85
Tom-Jelte Slagter
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
86
Tom Dernies
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
87
Ignatas Konovalovas
FDJ
s.t.
88
Jonas Rickaert
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 16'28
89
Adam Hansen
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
90
Yukiya Arashiro
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
91
Nils Politt
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
92
Simon Geschke
Team Sunweb
s.t.
93
Łukasz Wiśniowski
Team Sky
s.t.
94
Magnus Cort Nielsen
Orica - Scott
s.t.
95
Michael Van Staeyen
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 17'19
96
Frederik Backaert
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
97
Ivan Garcia Cortina
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
98
Lukas Spengler
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
99
Dmitriy Gruzdev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
100
Yohann Gène
Direct Energie
+ 17'52
101
Paul Martens
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
102
Sondre Holst Enger
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
103
Nathan Van Hooydonck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
104
Stan Godrie
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
105
Przemysław Niemiec
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
106
Anthony Delaplace
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
107
Mark McNally
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
108
Mitchell Docker
Orica - Scott
s.t.
109
Jan Bakelants
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 18'44
110
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
111
Daniele Bennati
Movistar Team
s.t.
112
Tom Stamsnijder
Team Sunweb
s.t.
113
Erik Baska
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
114
Anthony Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
115
Johan Le Bon
FDJ
s.t.
116
Frederik Veuchelen
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
117
Andreas Schillinger
Bora - Hansgrohe
+ 20'46
118
Benoît Vaugrenard
FDJ
+ 21'10
119
Pieter Serry
Quick-Step Floors
s.t.
120
Marco Minnaard
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
121
Jenthe Biermans
Team Katusha - Alpecin
s.t.
122
Peter Stetina
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
123
Julien Morice
Direct Energie
+ 22'19
124
Omar Fraile
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
125
Bernhard Eisel
Team Dimension Data
+ 23'03
126
Roy Jans
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
127
Rudy Barbier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
128
Jimmy Turgis
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
129
Vasil Kiryienka
Team Sky
s.t.
130
Sam Oomen
Team Sunweb
+ 23'45
131
Eliot Lietaer
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
132
Simone Petilli
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
133
Ondrej Cink
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
134
Ian Boswell
Team Sky
s.t.
135
Louis Vervaeke
Lotto - Soudal
s.t.
136
Romain Hardy
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
137
Patrick Bevin
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
138
Christian Knees
Team Sky
+ 25'16
139
Arnold Jeannesson
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
140
Laurens Ten Dam
Team Sunweb
s.t.
141
Olivier Pardini
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
142
David Gaudu
FDJ
+ 26'12
143
Xandro Meurisse
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
144
Georg Preidler
Team Sunweb
s.t.
145
Dries De Bondt
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
146
Bakhtiyar Kozhatayev
Astana Pro Team
+ 27'14
147
Robert Kiserlovski
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 27'38
148
Nikita Stalnov
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
149
Franck Bonnamour
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
150
André Cardoso
Trek - Segafredo
s.t.
151
Romain Cardis
Direct Energie
s.t.
152
Michael Kolar
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
153
Erwann Corbel
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
154
Javier Moreno
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
155
Arnaud Courteille
FDJ
s.t.
156
Boris Vallée
Fortuneo - Oscaro
s.t.
157
Daniel Navarro
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 29'45
158
Rubén Fernández
Movistar Team
s.t.
159
Jan Polanc
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
160
Andrea Guardini
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
161
Otto Vergaerde
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
162
Anass Ait El Abdia
UAE Team Emirates
s.t.
163
Steve Morabito
FDJ
s.t.
164
George Bennett
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
s.t.
165
Lindsay De Vylder
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
166
Domen Novak
Bahrain - Merida
s.t.
167
Manuel Senni
BMC Racing Team
+ 31'18
168
Lennard Kämna
Team Sunweb
+ 31'41
169
Davide Villella
Cannondale - Drapac
s.t.
170
Benjamin Declercq
Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
171
Antoine Warnier
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
s.t.
172
Christophe Riblon
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 32'26
173
Edward Ravasi
UAE Team Emirates
+ 33'47
174
Clément Chevrier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
175
Mekseb Debesay
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
176
Artyom Zakharov
Astana Pro Team
+ 35'09
177
Jesper Hansen
Astana Pro Team
+ 35'55
178
Elias Van Breussegem
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
+ 36'38
179
John Darwin Atapuma
UAE Team Emirates
+ 37'33
180
Fabrice Jeandesboz
Direct Energie
s.t.
181
Ludovic Robeet
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
+ 39'14
182
Serge Pauwels
Team Dimension Data
+ 40'39
183
Patrick Konrad
Bora - Hansgrohe
s.t.
184
Maxime Bouet
Fortuneo - Oscaro
+ 41'36
185
Jappe Jaspers
Vérandas Willems - Crelan
s.t.
186
Dimitri Peyskens
WB Veranclassic - Aqua Protect
+ 42'04
187
Adrien Niyonshuti
Team Dimension Data
s.t.
188
Marco Mathis
Team Katusha - Alpecin
+ 42'46
189
Daan Olivier
Team Lotto NL - Jumbo
+ 43'11
190
Julien Bérard
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 43'59
...
43
Alexander Edmondson
Orica - Scott
+ 10'18
Wow! My first Tour of Flanders and boy, it didn't disappoint. An incredible race once again. Jens did so well today, we're all so proud of him! 4th place is nothing to be sneezed at. Luke was really unlucky today, talking to him after the race, he says he really had the legs and looking back, considering he came 25th after his crash and being so far back, he could've done really well today if things had worked out differently.
As for me, I played my role, and if it wasn't for chasing Peter Sagan for 5kms, I think I would've stuck around a little longer. But we were aiming for a top-10, and top-5 is even better, so a great day for the team.
Can't wait for Paris - Roubaix, let the classics roll on!
Until next time,
AlexEdited by Teddy The Creator on 28-07-2017 02:58
Kuurne - Brussels - Kuurne - 1.HC
Race Recap - March 2017
Paris - Nice - UWT
Tirreno - Adriatico - UWT
