@sutty68: Yep, we had good times during these three stages, may the last three go better
Tour of Qatar
Stage 4
What a stage it has been, there was wind all the time and it was always coming from the side. The result of such a strong wind was that the pack was in a line during the whole day. With the team we anticipated and we took command of the pack wishing for echelons.
Despite our want, the strength was not there and we only managed to put the other to their limits. We failed at our objective but many sprinters were out of the competition for the victory contrary to Marcel who was well protected by Rick during the whole stage.
But unfortunately, there were two riders faster than Marcel Kittel. Mark Cavendish ( TEL) won the stage while Heinrich Haussler ( IAM) took the second position. Marcel did 3rd and I made my first top ten of the season finishing the stage at the 10th position.
Stage Ranking:
1
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
3h18'17
2
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
3
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
4
Boy Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
5
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
7
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
8
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
9
Danny Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
10
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
Stage 5
The stage was also very windy but this time we did not bother about it, we stayed at the front letting other teams do the job and we waited for the sprint.
This time I decided to do the sprint, I took Mark Cavendish ( TEL) wheel and nobody disputed me that. Marcel had chosen Matt Goss ( OGE) wheel.
Stage 4 really pushed us to our limits and this is why we lacked power in the finish of that stage. Marcel was not able to do better than 9th while I was taking the 17th position.
Telenet Pro Cycling Team did the double having Mark Cavendish ( TEL) first and Mark Renshaw ( TEL) second.
Stage Ranking:
1
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
3h01'53
2
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
4
Boy Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
5
Danny Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
6
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
7
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
9
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
10
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
---
17
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
Stage 6
The last stage was nothing but a sprint, there was no breakaway at all, we just waited.
I was feeling pretty tired so I did not took part in the sprint which was won by Heinrich Haussler ( IAM). Mark Cavendish ( TEL) took the second position and Danny Van Poppel ( TFR) took the third. Marcel again ended 6th but it was the best he could do.
Stage Ranking:
1
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
2h11'31
2
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
3
Danny Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
4
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
5
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
7
Boy Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
8
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
9
Anthony Giacoppo
Drapac Cycling
s.t.
10
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
---
41
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
General Ranking
1
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
15h09'59
2
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
+ 18
3
Boy Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
+ 35
4
Danny Van Poppel
Trek Factory Racing
+ 39
5
Fabian Cancellara
Trek Factory Racing
+ 47
6
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
7
Kristof Vandewalle
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
8
Fabio Andre Tomas Silvestre
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
9
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
10
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 48
Spoiler
11
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
+ 1'00
12
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
14
Niki Terpstra
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
15
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
16
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
17
Tom Boonen
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
18
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
19
Matthew Harley Goss
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 1'04
20
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 1'18
21
Sylvain Chavanel
IAM Cycling
s.t.
22
Matthias Brandle
IAM Cycling
s.t.
23
Daryl Impey
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
24
Kevyn Ista
IAM Cycling
s.t.
25
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
26
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 1'22
27
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 1'32
28
Roberto Ferrari
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
29
Andreas Stauff
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
30
Martin Reimer
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
31
Linus Gerdemann
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
32
Juan Pablo Valencia Gonzalez
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
33
Maximiliano Ariel Richeze Araquistain
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
34
Rui Alberto Faria Costa
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
35
Daniel Teklehaimanot Girmazion
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
36
Kristian Sbaragli
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
37
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 1'34
38
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Colombia
+ 1'36
39
Andreas Schillinger
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 1'38
40
Tom Veelers
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 1'42
41
Moreno Hofland
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
42
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
43
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
44
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
45
Robin Chaigneau
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
46
Koen De Kort
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
47
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
48
Pieter Jacobs
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
49
Tom Stamsnijder
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 1'45
50
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1'50
51
Jonathan McEvoy
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
52
Ruben Zepuntke
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
53
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
54
Manuel Belletti
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1'51
55
Anthony Giacoppo
Drapac Cycling
+ 1'54
56
Benjamin Johnson
Drapac Cycling
s.t.
57
Bernard Sulzberger
Drapac Cycling
s.t.
58
Kenny De Ketele
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 1'58
59
Muradjan Halmuratov
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
+ 2'01
60
Lukasz Bodnar
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
s.t.
61
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
+ 2'52
62
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 3'28
63
Jens Mouris
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
64
Martin Elmiger
IAM Cycling
s.t.
65
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Colombia
+ 3'42
66
Bartosz Huzarski
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 3'46
67
Rick Flens
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 3'52
68
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
69
Alessandro De Marchi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 4'00
70
Jay Robert Thomson
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 4'08
71
Grégory Rast
Trek Factory Racing
+ 4'10
72
Alexander Kamp Egested
BMC Racing Team
+ 4'23
73
Gianluca Brambilla
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
74
Martin Kohler
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
75
Zdenek Stybar
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
76
Tom Scully
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 4'41
77
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
78
Gustav Erik Larsson
IAM Cycling
s.t.
79
Rick Zabel
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 5'05
80
Joeri Stallaert
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
81
William Clarke
Drapac Cycling
+ 5'07
82
Stijn Vandenbergh
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 5'09
83
Yves Lampaert
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 5'11
84
Sergej Fuchs
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 5'13
85
Ben Grenda
Drapac Cycling
+ 5'17
86
Stijn Steels
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
87
Dominic Klemme
IAM Cycling
+ 5'23
88
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 5'29
89
David Cimolai
Lampre - Colombia
+ 5'37
90
Songezo Jim
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
91
Jan Dieteren
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 5'55
92
Nicola Ruffoni
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
93
Wesley Sulzberger
Drapac Cycling
+ 5'59
94
Jonathan Cantwell
Drapac Cycling
s.t.
95
Jack Anderson
Drapac Cycling
s.t.
96
Preben Van Hecke
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
97
Sun Jae Jang
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
+ 6'06
98
Yong Li Ng
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
s.t.
99
Abdalla Ben Youcef
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
s.t.
100
Abdelkader Belmokhtar
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
s.t.
101
Gonzalo Enriquez
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
+ 6'15
102
Mads Christensen
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
s.t.
103
Bram Tankink
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 7'43
104
Stefano Locatelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 7'57
105
Abderrahman Bourezza
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
+ 8'08
106
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 8'56
107
Andrea Piechele
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 9'46
108
Otto Vergaerde
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 9'50
109
Tae Min Gong
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
+ 9'57
110
Scott Thwaites
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 10'36
111
Erick Rowsell
Team NetApp - Endura
+ 11'48
112
Sander Helven
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 11'52
113
Abdelmalek Kessi
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
+ 11'59
114
Ismain Lallouchi
Groupement Sportif Pétrolier Algérie
s.t.
115
Wen-Chung Huang
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
+ 15'08
116
Simone Criscuoli
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
+ 15'17
117
Tomáš Zechmeister
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
s.t.
118
Alex Ariya Destribois Pounsavath
TEAM Sparkasse - Commerzbank
+ 15'43
119
Cristóbal Palmero
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
+ 15'56
120
Aleksejs Saramotins
IAM Cycling
+ 16'39
121
Mattia Cattaneo
Lampre - Colombia
+ 29'23
122
Jakub Repka
TEAM Bauknecht - TV Nova
+ 33'15
Points Ranking
Heinrich Haussler | IAM Cycling
Young Ranking
Danny Van Poppel | Trek Factory Racing
Team Ranking
Trek Factory Racing
All in all that was a good race to start the season, I was not expecting something from me that early in the season but be sure that in a few weeks I will be at the front.
My newt race is Trofeo Laigueglia and this will also be my last before the Belgian Opening Week-End.
Koen DE KORT Simon GESCHKE Anthony LOUVEILLE Johan LE BON Ramon SINKELDAM Tom STAMSNIJDER Tom VEELERS Rick ZABEL
Pre-Race:
I must say I was very nervous at the start of that race, the profile was suiting me perfectly and the team put high hopes on me. I know I would not deceive them but I was not sure I could sprint like I was sprint ting last year. Italy has always been gentle with me as it's there that I won my first monument. I will try to enjoy the race and to get something at the finish.
Race Report:
This was a bright and shiny day, it was not so cold so the condition were perfect for a day on a bike. As it was planned in the bus, Rick Zabel ( GIA) managed to get away from the pack. He went off with 3 other riders who were Davide Villella ( ALM), Thomas Peterson ( BMC) and Assan Bazayev ( PPO).
In the pack we were taking things easy, Trek Factory Racing was controlling the pace with the help of Vini Fantini riders. Excepting Tom Veelers who had a really bad day, the whole team was in the middle of the pack waiting for the big movements.
And the first attack of the day came from Stefan Denifl ( IAM) who were soon countered by Mikel Landa Meana ( AST). They both had no troubles to catch the breakaway riders. few kilometers later it was Natnael Berhane Teweldemedhin ( EUC) and Fabio Aru ( AST) that was escaping the pack.
19 kilometers left, still 6 men at the front Villella ( ALM) and Zabel ( GIA) were out, the 6th rider was Sergey Firsanov ( RUS). I was sitting in the middle of the chasing group being the only rider for Giant - Allianz.
With 9.8 kilometers to go, Robert Kiserlovski ( TFR) and Francesco Reda ( VIN) attacked, no teams wanted to counter them so I had to do the job myself if I wanted to believe in my chances. With a team mate it would have been easier but at list they did not get away.
For the sprint I had to do it by myself, I grab Bob Jungels' wheel ( TFR) and I hoped to be the best. Vini Fantini riders were better, they were flying toward the victory and I was seeing my chances of a top 3 vanished.
What must happen happened, Vini Fantini had 3 riders on the podium. Fabio Taborre ( VIN) was the fastest of the three, Francesco Reda ( VIN) came in second and Matteo Rabottini ( VIN) took the third position. I ended at a pleasant 7th position which is a good sign for the future races.
Race Ranking
1
Fabio Taborre
Vini Fantini - Bettini
5h14'39
2
Francesco Reda
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
3
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
4
Fabio Felline
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
5
Francis Mourey
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
6
Jérémy Roy
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
7
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
8
Gianluca Brambilla
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
9
Damiano Cunego
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
10
Robert Kiserlovski
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Stefan Küng
IAM Cycling
s.t.
12
Domenico Pozzovivo
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
13
Bob Jungels
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
14
Craig Barker
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
15
Diego Rosa
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
16
Maxime Bouet
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
17
Luke Durbridge
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
18
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
19
Natnael Berhane Teweldemedhin
Team Europcar
+ 36
20
Sergey Firsanov
RusVelo
s.t.
21
Simone Ponzi
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
22
Stefan Denifl
IAM Cycling
s.t.
23
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
24
Alexandre Geniez
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
25
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
26
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
27
Johan Esteban Cháves Rubio
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
28
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
29
Mikel Landa Meana
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
30
Mattia Cattaneo
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
31
Thomas Peterson
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
32
Fabio Andre Tomas Silvestre
Trek Factory Racing
+ 2'51
33
Vladimir Gusev
Katusha Team
s.t.
34
Antonio Santoro
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
35
Edoardo Zardini
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
36
Davide Villella
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
37
Evgeniy Shalunov
Katusha Team
s.t.
38
Assan Bazayev
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
39
Matteo Di Serafino
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
40
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
s.t.
41
Geoffrey Soupe
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
42
Jens Keukeleire
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
43
Benoit Vaugrenard
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
44
Gianfranco Zilioli
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
45
Simon Geschke
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
46
Karel Hnik
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 5'08
47
Emilien Viennet
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
48
Björn Thurau
Team Europcar
s.t.
49
Calvin Watson
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
50
Gennadiy Tatarinov
RusVelo
s.t.
51
Mathias Frank
IAM Cycling
s.t.
52
Martin Elmiger
IAM Cycling
s.t.
53
Lukasz Wisniowski
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
54
Fabrice Jeandesboz
Team Europcar
s.t.
55
Matteo Bono
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
56
Jan Bakelants
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
57
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
58
Egor Silin
Katusha Team
s.t.
59
Artem Ovechkin
RusVelo
s.t.
60
Kevin De Weert
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
61
Romain Sicard
Team Europcar
s.t.
62
Filippo Savini
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
63
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
64
Pavel Kochetkov
Katusha Team
s.t.
65
Federico Rocchetti
Idea
s.t.
66
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
67
Dominique Rollin
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 6'17
68
Gianni Bellini
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
69
Larry Warbasse
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
70
Daniil Fominykh
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
71
Guillaume Bonnafond
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
72
Mauro Finetto
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
73
Caleb Ewan
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
74
Nikita Novikov
RusVelo
s.t.
75
Huub Duyn
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
76
Vladislav Inyakin
RusVelo
s.t.
77
Jesse Sergent
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
78
Alex Dowsett
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
79
Gregory Juel Brenes Obando
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
80
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
81
Nikolas Maes
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 7'05
82
Mitchell Docker
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
83
Oscar Clark
FSA - Bose
s.t.
84
Ilia Koshevoy
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
85
Mikhail Ignatiev
Katusha Team
s.t.
86
Guillaume Boivin
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
87
Adrian Kurek
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
88
Alan Marangoni
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
89
Matteo Montaguti
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
90
Patrick Konrad
IAM Cycling
s.t.
91
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
92
Koen De Kort
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
93
Tom Stamsnijder
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
94
Davide Appollonio
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 9'14
95
Bas Stamsnijder
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
96
Marco Haller
Katusha Team
s.t.
97
Krisztian Lovassy
Idea
s.t.
98
Anton Vorobyev
Katusha Team
s.t.
99
Iljo Keisse
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
100
Laurent Pichon
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
101
Ben Hill
FSA - Bose
s.t.
102
Sébastien Minard
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
103
Kristjan Fajt
Adria Mobil
s.t.
104
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
105
Matteo Trentin
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
106
Matthias Brandle
IAM Cycling
s.t.
107
Michele Scarponi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
108
Ike Groen
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
109
Bernardo Colex Tepoz
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
110
Davide Formolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
111
Cristofaro Gritti
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
112
Leonardo Fabio Duque
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
113
Gang Xu
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
114
Branislau Samoilau
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
115
Tomasž Nose
Adria Mobil
s.t.
116
Paolo Colonna
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
117
Marco Coledan
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
118
Rick Zabel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
119
Alberto Bettiol
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 12'21
120
Michel Koch
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
121
Fabio Sabatini
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
122
Cristiano Salerno
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
123
Cayetano Jose Sarmiento Tunarrosa
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
124
Pieter Jacobs
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
125
Alessandro Bazzana
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
126
Simone Campagnaro
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
127
Enrico Barbin
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
128
Tom Veelers
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
129
Tyler Magner
FSA - Bose
s.t.
130
Lloyd Mondory
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
131
Andy Baker
FSA - Bose
s.t.
132
Jasper Bovenhuis
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
133
Jeff Vermeulen
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
134
Nejc Bester
Adria Mobil
s.t.
135
Andrey Zeits
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
136
Aldo Ino Ilesic
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
137
Aleksejs Saramotins
IAM Cycling
s.t.
138
Aljaž Hočevar
Adria Mobil
s.t.
139
Elias Schmäh
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
140
Andrei Solomennikov
RusVelo
s.t.
141
Edward Theuns
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
142
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
143
Marcel Aregger
IAM Cycling
s.t.
144
Giovanni Bernaudeau
Team Europcar
s.t.
145
Klemen Stimulak
Adria Mobil
s.t.
146
Jack Beckinsale
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
147
Radoslav Rogina
Adria Mobil
s.t.
148
Sam Bewley
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
149
Milton Pelham
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
150
Antonino Casimiro Parrinello
CyclingTeam Philips
+ 13'35
151
David Cimolai
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
152
Nikolay Mihaylov
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
153
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
154
Joeri Stallaert
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
155
Kenny De Ketele
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
156
Kenny Van Hummel
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
157
Yukiya Arashiro
Team Europcar
s.t.
158
Harry Kraft
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
159
Carlos Eduardo Alzate Escobar
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
160
Sebastian Lander
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
161
Omar Bertazzo
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
162
Michele Viola
Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest
s.t.
163
Nicola Ruffoni
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
164
Kenneth Vanbilsen
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
165
Tim Declercq
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
166
Preben Van Hecke
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
167
Jaroslaw Marycz
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
168
Donato De Ieso
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
169
Remco Broers
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
170
Bryan Naulleau
Team Europcar
s.t.
171
David Van Der Poel
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
+ 15'47
172
Mate Radonics
Idea
s.t.
173
Daniel Summerhill
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
174
Pieter Vanspeybrouck
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
175
Matt Cooke
Team Nippo - De Rosa
s.t.
176
Jacek Morajko
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
177
Cristiano Fumagalli
Idea
s.t.
178
Arthur Ershov
RusVelo
s.t.
179
Łukasz Owsian
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
180
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
181
Mathew Lipscomb
FSA - Bose
s.t.
182
Thomas Bertolini
Idea
+ 17'16
183
Denis Zhuykov
RusVelo
s.t.
184
Thomas Wrona
FSA - Bose
s.t.
185
Bradley White
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
186
Adrian Honkisz
CCC Polsat - Polkowice
s.t.
187
Juan Esteban Arango Carvajal
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
188
Rida Cador
Idea
s.t.
189
Robert Förster
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
+ 21'13
What a race, I would have like to have a team mates in the finish but they were not in top shape, my 7th position is a satisfaction. I hope I will feel good next week end as the Flemish Cobblestones are coming.
@sutty68: there can not be any regrets in my results right now, I gave all I had and I was more are less rewarded
Before starting the real racing here is an interview I had for the Team's Website:
Anthony Louveille (22) France
Hello Anthony, how are you feeling before the start of the Belgian classics?
Very well, I'm really looking for these races which are my big objectives of the season.
Last season you had some pretty good victory, which one do you think was the best?
Without even thinking I will say Il Lombardia. I was 21 at the time which made me the youngest rider to win this monument and I think i will hold this achievement for a long time. I remember the work my team mates made this this day for me especially Reinardt Jense Van Rensburg ( MTN). Too bad he had to leave the team.
We now know you have the Cobbled Classics as targets but which one of them would you really like to perform well?
I don't know, they are all great, I already know that we will focus on John (Degenkolb) for Gent - Wevelgem so I would say the Ronde van Vlaanderen. That's the one, where, with my skills I could do the best. The roads of Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg suits me better than the one of the Carrefour de l'Arbre or Mons en Pévèle (Sectors of Paris - Roubaix).
During the Tour of Qatar you post on your blog that you had a discussion with Fabian Cancellara ( TFR) about these races, are there any other riders who expect you there?
Yes, I had a long chat with my old friend and team mate Yoann Offredo ( FDJ), he really want to see me there, I hope one day we will have the chance to ride again together. Otherwise Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) came to wish me good luck for the season which is nice of him.
We realised that you kept good relation with your former team mates, does the arrival of Johan Le Bon will be benefit for you in the Cobbled Races?
Johan is a guy everyone would like to have as a friend, and on the roads I know that if he had to work for me he will, but the thing is that if I had to work for him I will to and it's only way to keep a good relation with your friends and team mates. When I left FDJ.fr, it was like saying good bye to my family, but luckily for me, I found another family here inside Giant - Allianz.
A last question to conclude, what will your goals be after Paris - Roubaix?
The French National Championships, I think it's time for me to wear that wonderful jersey. And then maybe the Eneco Tour to confirm my result of last year.
Well, good luck then and keep the results coming.
And because I'm a bit of nostalgic here is my second tweet
#MTDCT Remember, this was in 2013, my first pro victory ever. Le Samyn with FDJ. I'm now up to 25 victories. pic.twitter.com/lpzUb54vY8
Koen DE KORT John DEGENKOLB Johan LE BON Anthony LOUVEILLE Ramon SINKELDAM Tom STAMSNIJDER Tom VEELERS Rick ZABEL
Pre-Race:
It's been a while since I did not do Cobblestones. Honestly I missed it and today is the real start of the season for me. Although I'm not on top shape, I've been given a free role, John will lead today.As I said, I'm not yet in shape so today it will be more about getting good sensations and having fun at the front. Be sure I'll attack.
Race Report:
Today, the breakaway had no trouble to get formed. A group of eight riders flew away and decided to make the race at the front. We had Rick Zabel ( GIA) in it so we would have a quiet first part of the race. He was riding with Daniele Ratto ( PEP), Adam Blythe ( SKY), Rafael de Mattos Andriato ( VIN), Andrea Guardini ( AST), Carlos Julian Quintero Norena ( LAM), Kristof Vandewalle ( TFR) and Christophe Laporte ( COF).
As I said, I did attack today, it was 90 kilometers from the finish. I had not much chances but I wanted to believe in my legs. Plus I had Rick at the front. I did not want to wait for a possible sprint and I wanted to test my legs on a solo effort.
I was soon followed by two riders, they were Matthieu Ladagnous ( FDJ) and Jürgen Roelandts ( LTB). They attacked with 60 kilometers to go and I was already back on the breakaway. Another rider followed after them, Ruben Zepuntke ( NET) was also an offensive rider today.
As we were two in the breakaway and as I wanted to go as far as possible, I asked Rick to set a high pace at the front of the group. First it tired many riders of the group and then it made the come back of the chasers harder. And there was also Matti Breschel ( TCS) that was in the group too.
Of course they did not have much troubles to joined us and as soon as they were in, they took the control of the group. Rick managed to stay with us so he did some work for me in the group.
Behind us the pack was going full gas and the Telenet Pro Cycling riders (Zdenek Stybar ( TEL) and Gianni Meersman ( TEL)) was riding hard for there leader Tom Boonen ( TEL). Giant - Allianz was waiting patiently for their time.
With 30 kilometers left, Matti Breschel ( TCS), Jürgen Roelandts ( LTB) and Ruben Zepuntke ( NET) attacked, I first managed to follow them but then it was too hard and my legs were not so fresh anymore. I had to let them go to end up in group with two former team mates, Matthieu Ladagnous ( FDJ) and Dominique Rollin ( FDJ).
Finally I had two gave up on my chase, the pack was getting closer and I had no resources left. The three were still at the front but the pace of the pack was really fester than theirs. I saw my team mates very well positioned, I was not able to stay with them and I ended up at the bottom of the group.
With 8 kilometers back when everybody was in the first group, Niki Terpstra ( TEL), Heinrich Haussler ( IAM) and Sylvain Chavanel ( IAM) wanted to anticipate a mass sprint. Despite having two riders of the same team in the group, the entente was not that good and the pack quickly came back on them.
This acceleration cost me my spot on the group, I did not really wanted to hang on as tomorrow there is another race that count for me. I finished the race quietly without thinking of my results I enjoyed the race at the front that was all I wanted today.
While I was riding easily, the race at the front was still going on and, after a perfect lead-out by Ramon Sinkeldam ( GIA), John Degenkolb ( GIA) was in perfect position for the victory. He was in the wheel of Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) and the victory was coming to him. behind him was Filippo Pozzato ( LAM).
And of course with quite ease, John won the race. Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) made second and Filippo Pozzato ( LAM) third. Concerning myself, I ended 37th 2'11 after John.
Race Ranking
1
John Degenkolb
Team Giant - Allianz
4h49'01
2
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
3
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
4
Tom Boonen
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
5
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
6
Zdenek Stybar
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
7
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
8
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
9
Geraint Thomas
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
10
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
12
Niki Terpstra
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
13
Sebastian Langeveld
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
14
Alexandre Pichot
Team Europcar
s.t.
15
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
16
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
17
Nick Nuyens
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
18
Sylvain Chavanel
IAM Cycling
s.t.
19
Adrien Petit
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 57
20
Ian Stannard
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
21
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
22
Stijn Vandenbergh
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
23
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
24
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
25
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
26
Ruben Zepuntke
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
27
Yoann Offredo
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
28
Matti Breschel
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
29
Björn Leukemans
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
30
Matthieu Ladagnous
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
31
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
32
Klaas Lodewyck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
33
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
34
Tom Veelers
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
35
Dominique Rollin
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
36
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
37
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 2'11
38
Kevyn Ista
IAM Cycling
+ 3'36
39
Johnny Hoogerland
CyclingTeam Philips
+ 4'32
40
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
41
Daniele Ratto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
42
Tom Scully
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
43
Kristof Vandewalle
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
44
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 5'51
45
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
46
Christophe Laporte
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
47
Elia Viviani
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
48
Adam Blythe
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
49
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
50
Juan Pablo Valencia Gonzalez
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
51
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
52
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
53
Carlos Julian Quintero Norena
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
54
Enrico Battaglin
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
55
Maciej Bodnar
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
56
Rory Sutherland
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
57
Gert Joeaar
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
58
Fabio Andre Tomas Silvestre
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
59
Valentin Baillifard
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
60
Simon Gerrans
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
61
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
62
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
63
Brent Bookwalter
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
64
Leigh Howard
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
65
Anthony Geslin
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
66
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
67
Rick Zabel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
68
Guillaume Boivin
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
69
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
70
Moreno Moser
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
71
Kenneth Vanbilsen
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
72
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
73
Francisco José Ventoso Alberdi
Movistar Team
s.t.
74
Oscar Gatto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
75
Frederik Willems
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
76
Manuel Belletti
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
77
Bryan Coquard
Team Europcar
s.t.
78
Stéphane Poulhies
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
79
Nathan Brown
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
80
Kirill Sveshnikov
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
81
Koen De Kort
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
82
Matthew Harley Goss
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
83
Tom Stamsnijder
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
84
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
85
Rui Alberto Faria Costa
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
86
Nacer Bouhanni
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
87
Kris Boeckmans
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
88
Dmitriy Muravyev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
89
Edwig Cammaerts
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
90
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
91
Chris Anker Sørensen
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
92
Paul Voss
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
93
Jonas Vangenechten
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
94
Jonathan Hivert
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
95
Michael Mørkøv Christensen
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
96
Arthur Vichot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
97
Mathias Krizek
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
98
Jan Polanc
Movistar Team
s.t.
99
Adriano Malori
Movistar Team
s.t.
100
André Fernando S.Martins Cardoso
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
101
Gustav Erik Larsson
IAM Cycling
s.t.
102
Tom Jelte Slagter
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
103
José Luis Arribas
Movistar Team
s.t.
104
Jens Mouris
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
105
František Paďour
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
106
Yoann Paillot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
107
Valerio Conti
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
108
Jos Van Emden
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
109
Kilian Frankiny
IAM Cycling
s.t.
110
Bas Stamsnijder
CyclingTeam Philips
+ 9'56
111
Ike Groen
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
112
Daniele Colli
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
113
Clément Koretzky
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
114
Kenny Van Hummel
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
115
Alexandre Geniez
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
116
Ignazio Moser
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
117
Benoît Jarrier
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
118
Jean-Marc Bideau
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
119
Carlos Barbero Cuesta
Movistar Team
s.t.
120
Frederique Robert
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
121
Mattia Pozzo
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
122
Pablo Torres Muiño
Movistar Team
s.t.
123
Benjamin Le Montagner
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
124
Erwann Corbel
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
125
Svein Tuft
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
126
Luca Dodi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
127
Jetse Bol
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
128
Emmanuel Keo
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
129
Marcel Aregger
IAM Cycling
s.t.
130
Boris Vallée
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
131
Roy Eefting
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
132
Niels Wytinck
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
133
Christoph Pfingsten
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
134
Sebastien Reichenbach
IAM Cycling
s.t.
135
Dion Beukeboom
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
136
Ivan Rovny
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
137
Ilya Davidenok
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
138
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
139
Tiago José Pinto Machado
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
140
Otto Vergaerde
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
141
Daniil Fominykh
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
142
Vegard Stake Laengen
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
143
Laurent Didier
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
144
Mikel Landa Meana
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
145
Ilia Koshevoy
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
146
Alberto Bettiol
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
147
José Joao Pimenta Costa Mendes
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
148
Jan Barta
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
149
Julian David Arredondo Moreno
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
150
Ilnur Zakarin
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
151
Luis Angel Mate Mardones
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
152
Julien Fouchard
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
153
Erick Rowsell
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
154
Jarl Salomein
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
155
Steven Lammertink
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
156
Roberto De Patre
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
157
Lachlan Morton
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
158
Manuele Boaro
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
159
José Rodolfo Serpa Perez
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
160
Cristofaro Gritti
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
161
Karel Hnik
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
162
Stijn Devolder
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
163
Sebastian Henao Marin
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
164
Germano Cantaluppi
IAM Cycling
+ 12'29
165
Rafael Valls Ferri
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
166
Nico Sijmens
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
167
Shalkar Shirshov
Astana Pro Team
+ 14'15
168
Markel Irizar Aranburu
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
169
Tim Declercq
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
170
Thomas Sprengers
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
171
Melvin Boskamp
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
172
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
173
Davide Formolo
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
174
James Vanlandschoot
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
175
Andrea Dal Col
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
176
Cesare Benedetti
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
177
Clément Venturini
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
178
Jonas Rickaert
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
179
Kevin De Jonghe
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
180
Rubén Plaza Molina
Movistar Team
s.t.
181
Caleb Fairly
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
182
Antoine Duchesne
Team Europcar
s.t.
183
Donato De Ieso
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
184
Edward Diaz
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
185
Tsgabu Gebremariam Grmay
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
What a race it has been for me and the team, I had great time at the front with Rick and the victory of John came to conclude a perfect race.
#MTDCT Great day at the front, I'm back on cobbles and it fells good. Tomorrow I will target a top 10 ;) pic.twitter.com/ibnoAaZxDx
@welker3257: indeed, he had a powerful finish and the others never matched his speed.
@It's great to start the classics with a victory, but now lets bring some others
Kuurne - Brussel - Kuurne
The Squad:
Koen DE KORT John DEGENKOLB Johan LE BON Anthony LOUVEILLE Ramon SINKELDAM Tom STAMSNIJDER Tom VEELERS Rick ZABEL
Pre-Race:
Today it will be more about John than about me, the race shall end in a sprint and my solo efforts of yesterday was a bit too much for me, I did not have a great night so we will see. My goal of a top 10 here is still standing and I hope I'll managed to achieve that.
Race Report:
There was lots of movements at the beginning of the race and it's only after 50 kilometers of racing that a breakaway managed to get formed. Anthony Roux ( FDJ), Kristian Dyrnes ( OHR), Kristof Vandewalle ( TFR), Björn Thurau ( EUC), Matteo Rabottini ( VIN), Mathias Krizek ( PEP) and Yves Lampaert ( TSV) were the seven riders of the group. They had a maximum gap of 8'.
The chase was led by Mark Cavendish ( TEL) and Andrew Fenn ( TEL). They were riding for their leader Tom Boonen ( TEL). Tom ended 4th in the Omloop so he was in great shape already.
After a very tricky cobblestone sector, we saw the attacks of Jürgen Roelandts ( LTB), Steve Chainel ( ALM), Adrien Petit ( COF) and Bernhard Eisel ( SKY). They all attacked at different times but in the end they all ended in the same group.
At the front of the pack another small group had made his way out of it and there was not much than 5 riders of Giant - Allianz in it. John, Johan, Rick, Ramon and Tom S. were off for a big ride at the front. Of course John let the others work as there was still 60 kilometers to go.
Once again, the pack (where Tom V. and I were) was led by Telenet riders. It was not the same pace as before as they really wanted to brought my team mates back within the pack.
Philippe Gilbert ( BMC) was also part of the chase and he was hurting the legs of more than a rider.
Things eventually got back together and the pace was rather slow at certain moments. As I stayed in the pack with Tom Veelers, we were now the only one to stay with John). And when Sep Vanmarcke ( BEL) and Niki Terpstra ( TEL) attacked, I went to do a bit of pacing.
We had a bit of luck as the two riders never managed to work together. As the sprint was coming closer and closer, Tom and I led John to the front. Tom was very powerful so he took commands of the train.
The sprint was going well for us, I was leading John and suddenly coming out of nowhere was Tom Boonen ( TEL). John launched his sprint at that moment but it was already too late and some other riders were passing him.
Tom Boonen won the race while Heinrich Haussler ( IAM) and Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) were taking second and third position. John took a satisfying 4th position and I achieve the race at the 9th position.
Race Ranking
1
Tom Boonen
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
4h25'35
2
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
3
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
4
John Degenkolb
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
5
Mark Cavendish
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
6
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
7
Zdenek Stybar
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Sébastien Turgot
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
9
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
10
Louis Verhelst
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
Spoiler
11
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
12
Sylvain Chavanel
IAM Cycling
s.t.
13
Adrien Petit
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
14
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
15
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
16
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
17
Niki Terpstra
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
18
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
19
Tom Veelers
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
20
Romain Zingle
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
21
Stijn Vandenbergh
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
22
Alexandre Pichot
Team Europcar
s.t.
23
Dominique Rollin
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
24
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
25
Matthieu Ladagnous
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
26
Klaas Lodewyck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
27
Steve Chainel
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
28
Ian Stannard
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
29
Kevyn Ista
IAM Cycling
s.t.
30
Bernhard Eisel
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
31
Anthony Roux
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
32
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
33
Björn Thurau
Team Europcar
s.t.
34
Matteo Rabottini
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
35
Yoann Offredo
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 1'55
36
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
37
Mathias Krizek
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
38
Kristian Dyrnes
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
s.t.
39
Geraint Thomas
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
40
Björn Leukemans
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
41
Kristof Vandewalle
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
42
Yves Lampaert
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
43
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
44
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 2'52
45
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
46
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 4'19
47
Kris Boeckmans
Lotto - Belisol
+ 5'44
48
Roger Kluge
IAM Cycling
s.t.
49
Bryan Coquard
Team Europcar
s.t.
50
Lars Ytting Bak
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
51
Edwig Cammaerts
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
52
Oscar Gatto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
53
Matthias Brandle
IAM Cycling
s.t.
54
Vincent Jérôme
Team Europcar
s.t.
55
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
56
Andrew Fenn
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
57
Vasil Kiryienka
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
58
Tim De Troyer
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
59
Koen De Kort
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
60
Simone Ponzi
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
61
Egoitz Garcia Etxegibel
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
62
Cyril Lemoine
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
63
Sébastien Minard
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
64
Damien Gaudin
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
65
Wesley Kreder
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
+ 7'00
66
Grégory Habeaux
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
67
Robin Chaigneau
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
68
Elia Viviani
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
69
Ben Hermans
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
70
Alexander Kamp Egested
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
71
Kilian Frankiny
IAM Cycling
s.t.
72
Robert Wagner
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
73
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
74
Daniel Oss
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
75
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
76
Aleksejs Saramotins
IAM Cycling
s.t.
77
Dylan Groenewegen
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
78
Jasper Bovenhuis
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
79
Dominic Klemme
IAM Cycling
s.t.
80
Moreno Moser
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 8'57
81
Filip Eidsheim
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
s.t.
82
Kevin Van Melsen
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
83
Stéphane Walter
Team Europcar
+ 9'41
84
Andreas Schillinger
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
85
Alex Dowsett
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
86
Mauro Finetto
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
87
Frederik Willems
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
88
Fabio Sabatini
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
89
Pierre-Luc Perichon
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
90
Ralf Matzka
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
91
Yauheni Hutarovich
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
92
Luis Angel Mate Mardones
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
93
Nacer Bouhanni
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
94
Omar Fraile Matarranz
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
95
Adam Blythe
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
96
Florian Vachon
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
97
Alan Marangoni
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
98
Marc Goos
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
99
Rafael de Mattos Andriato
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
100
Andriy Grivko
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
101
Maciej Bodnar
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
102
Kenny Van Hummel
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
103
Laurens De Vreese
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
104
Arthur Vichot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
105
Luke Rowe
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
106
Roy Jans
Accent.Jobs - Wanty
s.t.
107
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
108
Bas Stamsnijder
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
109
Angel Madrazo Ruiz
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
110
Ian Boswell
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
111
Bram Tankink
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
112
Andrea Guardini
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
113
Nikita Umerbekov
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
114
Lloyd Mondory
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
115
Stef Clement
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 10'57
116
Sven Erik Bystrøm
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
+ 13'23
117
Ricardo Van Der Velde
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
118
Maxime Monfort
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
119
Daniele Colli
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
120
Antonio Piedra Perez
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
121
Jeff Vermeulen
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
122
Giovanni Bernaudeau
Team Europcar
s.t.
123
Morgan Lamoisson
Team Europcar
s.t.
124
Dmitriy Gruzdev
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
125
Benoît Jarrier
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
126
Romain Feillu
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
127
Emmanuel Keo
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
128
Jean-Marc Bideau
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
129
Erwann Corbel
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
130
Antonino Casimiro Parrinello
CyclingTeam Philips
s.t.
131
Alberto Bettiol
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
132
Niels Wytinck
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
133
Jasper De Buyst
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
134
Ilya Davidenok
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
135
Jasha Sütterlin
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
136
Fredrik Strand Galta
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
s.t.
137
Sander Helven
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
138
Laurent Wernimont
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
139
Haimar Zubeldia Agirre
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
140
Arthur Vanoverberghe
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
141
Jeremy Bescond
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
142
Alexandre Shushemoin
Astana Pro Team
+ 14'52
143
Ruben Fernandez Andujar
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
144
Erick Rowsell
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
145
Recep Ünalan
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
s.t.
146
Riccardo Zoidl
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
147
Victor Campenaerts
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
148
Jonathan McEvoy
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
149
Lahcen Saber
Team Øster Hus - Ridley
s.t.
150
Mattia Pozzo
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
151
Murilo Antonio Fischer
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
152
Laurent Didier
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
153
Eduardo Sepulveda
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
154
Patrick Gretsch
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
155
Thomas Sprengers
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
+ 16'29
156
Shane Archbold
An Post - Chainreaction
s.t.
157
Ryan Eastman
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
158
Jan Dieteren
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
159
Andrea Dal Col
Vini Fantini - Bettini
s.t.
160
Laurent Van Den Bak
An Post - Chainreaction
s.t.
161
Julian Kern
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
162
Yohann Gène
Team Europcar
s.t.
163
Matthew Busche
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
164
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
165
Cesare Benedetti
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
166
Julian David Arredondo Moreno
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
167
Remco Broers
CyclingTeam Philips
+ 21'12
168
Michel Koch
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
169
Michael Schwarzmann
Team NetApp - Endura
s.t.
170
Moreno De Pauw
Topsport Vlaanderen - Baloise
s.t.
171
Ramon Domene Reyes
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
172
Antonio Molina
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
173
David Arroyo Duran
Santander Ciclista
s.t.
It was a good race today, We managed to get two riders in the top 10 including me, and John 4th position is starting to threatened my leadership in the next classics.
For the moment I will prepare Milano - Sanremo in the Tirreno - Adriatico. Where I shall took some good results in the hilly stages.
#MTDCT good ride in Kuurne today, a top 10 I was waiting for and the good finish of John. See you in Italy. pic.twitter.com/bIevijpCvg
@sutty68: I really had to fight for that top 10 but I get it. Too bad John did not managed to do better than 4th.
Tirreno - Adriatico
The Squad:
Dries DEVENYNS Jakub FOLTYN Marcel KITTEL Johan LE BON Anthony LOUVEILLE Georg PREIDLER Ramon SINKELDAM Ivar SLIK
Pre-Race:
This race for me and most of the squad is a preparation for Milano - Sanremo. This not mean that we won't take the race seriously but we will be careful about not crashing or spending too much energy during the stage.
If there was not that mountain stage on the 5th day I would have aim a top 10 but this plus the time trial of the last won't help to achieve that. I may target a stage win during stage 4 or 6.
Stage 1
The first stage was a team time trial and we failed, we ended at the 19th position 1'40 after the winners of the day who are BMC Racing Team riders.
Stage Ranking:
Rank
Team
Time
General Time
1
BMC Racing Team
19'03
19'03 (1)
2
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 14
+ 14 (2)
3
Sky ProCycling
+ 18
+ 18 (3)
4
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
+ 18 (4)
5
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 36
+ 36 (5)
6
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 39
+ 39 (6)
7
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
+ 39 (7)
8
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 44
+ 44 (8)
9
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 50
+ 50 (9)
10
Katusha Team
s.t.
+ 50 (10)
Spoiler
11
IAM Cycling
+ 1'00
+ 1'00 (11)
12
Lampre - Colombia
+ 1'04
+ 1'04 (12)
13
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
+ 1'04 (13)
14
Movistar Team
+ 1'14
+ 1'14 (14)
15
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 1'20
+ 1'20 (15)
16
MTN - Qhubeka
s.t.
+ 1'20 (16)
17
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1'34
+ 1'34 (17)
18
Astana Pro Team
+ 1'40
+ 1'40 (18)
19
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
+ 1'40 (19)
20
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 1'50
+ 1'50 (20)
21
Lotto - Belisol
+ 1'56
+ 1'56 (21)
22
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
+ 1'56 (22)
23
Santander Ciclista
+ 2'09
+ 2'09 (23)
Stage 2
The stage was designed for sprinters or puncher that could leave the pack in the little "climb of the finish.
With Pepsi Pro Cycling we took our responsibilities and we rode against the breakaway. Once they were back in the pack, Pepsi started to set a very high pace to avoid any riders to leave the pack.
During the sprint, I was a bit isolated. Marcel was well led by Ivar Slik and I managed to take Davide Appollonio ( ALM) wheel.
Marcel still lacked racing day as he failed against Heinrich Haussler ( IAM), Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) and Sonny Colbrelli ( BAR). To my own surprise I ended at the 5th position.
Stage Ranking:
1
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
5h58'40
2
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
3
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
4
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
5
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
6
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
7
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
8
Tyler Farrar
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
9
Davide Appollonio
Ag2r - La Mondiale
s.t.
10
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
Stage 3
Once again a stage for the sprinters, after their massive failure during stage 2, Pepsi riders decided not to take part in the chase. Luckily for us, we had the help of BMC and IAM to chase the breakaway.
After my great finish in stage 2, I was assigned as lead out man for Marcel. I took Aidis Kruopis ( OGE) wheel and I waited for the right moment.
But again, there were better riders than Marcel who took the 4th position.
Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) took the stage.
Stage Ranking:
1
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
4h09'40
2
Peter Sagan
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
3
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
4
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
5
Daniele Bennati
Tinkoff Credits System
s.t.
6
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
7
Tyler Farrar
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
8
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
s.t.
9
Maximiliano Ariel Richeze Araquistain
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
10
Oscar Gatto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
---
13
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
That 3 first stage did not went as planed but the results are still not too bad. My top 5 really comforted me on my sprinting abilities, I hop I will be able to show something in Sanremo.
@sutty68: Kittel is not that in good shape but as he is a sprint killer, even with a low shape he is still able to do top 5.
Stage 4
The fourth stage was maid for climbers and punchers, I hoped I could make something but due to a bad positioning I failed entering the top 10.
The first to attack was the Italian rider Domenico Pozzovivo ( ALM), he was followed by the Irish Dan Martin ( GRS) and unfortunately for them attacking 25 kilometers from the finish is not the best idea.
Another attack with 19 kilometers to go. Domenico Pozzovivo ( ALM) was again part of it but the first to attack was Jesús Ezquerra Muela ( MOV). With them there was also Diego Rosa ( VIN) but again it was a failed attempt as the BMC riders were watching very closely.
The only attack that really cont was the one of Peter Sagan ( PEP) and Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC). The two riders managed to get off the pack and as they worked well together, the were able to finally fight for the victory.
A victory surprisingly taken by Greg Van Avermaet ( BMC) who beat Sagan right on the line. Dries Devenyns managed to take the 14th position while I did 25th thanks to a great finish maid by myself.
Stage Ranking:
1
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
6h22'53
2
Peter Sagan
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
3
Daniel Martin
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
4
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
5
Oscar Gatto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
6
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
7
Rui Alberto Faria Costa
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
8
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 23
9
Damiano Caruso
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
10
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte
Movistar Team
s.t.
---
14
Dries Devenyns
Team Giant - Allianz
s.t.
---
25
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 1'04
Stage 5
Before starting the race I must say that I was very surprised to be called on the podium for the young classification, it appeared that I was leading that ranking by 4'18. So this is why I wore the White jersey during stage 5.
But lets get back to the stage, with a finish like that my only hope was now to hang on to the jersey.
As we had no climbers in the squad we decided to send someone at the front. Georg Preidler ( GIA) was the one to be in it and so he did.
At that moment I was enjoying the ride along sides my team mates. That jersey was a sign of my good form and it was comforting me about the following races .
With 66 kilometers left, a group of seven riders including men likes Thibaut Pinot ( FDJ), Dan Martin ( GRS) or Jelle Vanendert ( LTB) to name few decided to leave the pack. They quickly joined the breakaway who were not fighting anymore.
Contrary to my other team mates, I managed to stay in the pack after the penultimate climb and at the foot of the last climb I was in the wheels of the leaders. There was now 13 kilometers to go and the slope was about 22%.
With 4.6 kilometers left, Thibaut Pinot ( FDJ) was now alone at the front. His chasers were 1'48 behind him and so he had the victory assured as the gap was still growing. Concerning myself, things were not going that badly, I managed to get off the main group and even if there were better rider in front of me, I was still fighting for a top 25 position.
Pinot enjoyed his victory but he could have some regrets as he was already very far in the GC (89th at 14'29). He ended the stage 3'08 before the second rider who is Bauke Mollema ( BEL).
After such a hard stage I was pleased to finish. According to the officials I was the 20th to arrive and I was now 17th in the GC. My white jersey was now secured that is a great news.
Stage Ranking:
1
Thibaut Pinot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
5h51'04
2
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 3'08
3
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte
Movistar Team
+ 4'01
4
Andy Schleck
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
5
Francesco Reda
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 4'41
6
Amets Txurruka Ansola
Santander Ciclista
+ 4'50
7
Steven Kruijswijk
Belkin Pro Cycling
s.t.
8
Roman Kreuziger
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 5'07
9
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
+ 6'07
10
Jan Polanc
Movistar Team
s.t.
---
20
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 11'21
General Ranking after Stage 5:
1
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling
22h45'28
2
Andy Schleck
Trek Factory Racing
+ 38
3
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte
Movistar Team
+ 1'26
4
Francesco Reda
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1'34
5
Roman Kreuziger
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 2'39
6
Damiano Caruso
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 2'48
7
Gianluca Brambilla
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 3'12
8
Steven Kruijswijk
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 3'29
9
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
+ 4'02
10
Diego Rosa
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 4'04
---
17
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 9'57
The White jersey is almost mine, there are two stages left including one short time trial of 9.4 kilometers.
My main focus is at the moment on Milano - Sanremo but this race is really starting to make me think of my climbing abilities.
@SS2JLuigi: I was happy too when I saw that Pinot was alone at the front
@Selwink: Schleck has never been bad in the database I'm playing with and Mollema is becoming one of the finest Climber/Puncher of the pack.
sutty68: Not that hard I did what I could and then it brought me the white jersey.
Paris - Nice
General Ranking
1
Chris Froome
Sky ProCycling
26h18'51
2
Alberto Contador Velasco
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 2
3
Warren Barguil
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 58
4
Andrew Talansky
Garmin-Sharp
+ 1'45
5
Maxime Monfort
Lotto - Belisol
+ 2'06
6
Johan Esteban Cháves Rubio
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 3'30
7
Bart De Clercq
Lotto - Belisol
+ 3'43
8
Haimar Zubeldia Agirre
Santander Ciclista
+ 4'07
9
Rein Taaramae
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 4'17
10
Omar Fraile Matarranz
Santander Ciclista
+ 4'18
Points Ranking
John Degenkolb | Team Giant - Allianz
Mountain Ranking
Brice Feillu | Bretagne - Séché Environnement
Young Ranking
Warren Barguil | Team Giant - Allianz
Team Ranking
Pepsi Pro Cycling
Tirenno - Adriatico
Stage 6
The last stage was apparently designed for breakaway. The pack let a group of 15 riders go away plus two other riders who never managed to be back with the lead group. We had anticipated that and Georg Preidler ( GIA) was representing Giant - Allianz at the front.
Georg did not work at all and with 15 kilometers left when everyone had forget him, he attacked, he was strong and he wanted to bring a victory from Italy. He quickly created a gap forcing Edvald Boasson Hagen ( SKY) to do the job behind.
Even though he was in the breakaway during stage 5, Georg managed to resist to the group behind and he took one of his finest victories. None of the riders at the front were threatening my jersey so I will ride the time trial with it.
Stage Ranking:
1
Georg Preidler
Team Giant - Allianz
4h55'55
2
Enrico Barbin
Pepsi Pro Cycling
s.t.
3
Niki Terpstra
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
4
Vegard Breen
Lotto - Belisol
s.t.
5
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
6
André Fernando S.Martins Cardoso
Garmin-Sharp
s.t.
7
Kristijan Durasek
Lampre - Colombia
s.t.
8
Yoann Bagot
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
9
Alexandre Geniez
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
s.t.
10
Mitchell Lovelock-Fay
Orica - GreenEDGE
s.t.
---
23
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 8'50
Stage 7
The last day meant that if I keep an advantage of 4' on Mitchell Lovelock-Fay ( OGE) I would be the winner of the young classification.
Johan Le Bon was our highest hope, and with his French TT national champion, he was boosted to get a good results. When he finished his race he was 2nd but at the end of the race he took the 5th position.
When my turn came I was very proud of wearing the jersey and I did my work to keep it (I mean getting to the finish alive ). I did not make the chrono of the century but ending at the 81st position 1'04 after Taylor Phinney ( BMC) (the winner) was enough for me.
Stage Ranking:
1
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
11'20
2
Patrick Gretsch
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 18
3
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
+ 23
4
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 24
5
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 27
6
Kristof Vandewalle
Trek Factory Racing
+ 29
7
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 34
8
Geraint Thomas
Sky ProCycling
+ 35
9
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
+ 36
10
Dario Cataldo
Sky ProCycling
s.t.
---
81
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 1'04
General Ranking
1
Bauke Mollema
Belkin Pro Cycling
28h02'15
2
Andy Schleck
Trek Factory Racing
+ 1'04
3
Francesco Reda
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1'33
4
Alejandro Valverde Belmonte
Movistar Team
+ 1'39
5
Roman Kreuziger
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 2'38
6
Damiano Caruso
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 3'06
7
Gianluca Brambilla
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 3'32
8
Steven Kruijswijk
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 3'36
9
Jakob Fuglsang
Astana Pro Team
+ 3'43
10
Rui Alberto Faria Costa
Lampre - Colombia
+ 4'12
Spoiler
11
Diego Rosa
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 4'20
12
Domenico Pozzovivo
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 4'59
13
Daniel Martin
Garmin-Sharp
+ 6'38
14
Fabio Taborre
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 6'50
15
Enrico Barbin
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 6'52
16
Alexandre Geniez
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 9'09
17
Peter Sagan
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 9'30
18
Sylvain Chavanel
IAM Cycling
+ 9'35
19
Niki Terpstra
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 9'49
20
Thibaut Pinot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 10'04
21
Anthony Louveille
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 10'19
22
Georg Preidler
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 10'22
23
Daniele Ratto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 10'40
24
Greg Van Avermaet
BMC Racing Team
+ 11'07
25
Jelle Vanendert
Lotto - Belisol
+ 11'08
26
Rafal Majka
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 11'38
27
Lars Boom
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 12'19
28
Diego Ulissi
Lampre - Colombia
+ 13'01
29
Gianni Meersman
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 13'02
30
Francisco Manuel Bongiorno
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 14'07
31
Daniel Moreno Fernandez
Katusha Team
+ 14'10
32
Oscar Gatto
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 14'18
33
Moreno Moser
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 15'08
34
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
+ 15'22
35
Mitchell Lovelock-Fay
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 15'49
36
Yoann Bagot
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 15'56
37
Arthur Vichot
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 16'10
38
Sergio Luis Henao Montoya
Sky ProCycling
+ 16'19
39
Michael Albasini
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 16'20
40
Kristijan Durasek
Lampre - Colombia
+ 17'12
41
Jan Polanc
Movistar Team
+ 17'21
42
Angelo Pagani
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 18'57
43
Dries Devenyns
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 19'45
44
Nicolas Roche
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 19'49
45
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
+ 20'14
46
Geraint Thomas
Sky ProCycling
+ 20'26
47
Tom Jelte Slagter
Garmin-Sharp
+ 20'52
48
Thomas Löfkvist
IAM Cycling
+ 21'14
49
Riccardo Zoidl
Trek Factory Racing
+ 21'47
50
André Fernando S.Martins Cardoso
Garmin-Sharp
+ 21'51
51
Guillaume Levarlet
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 23'38
52
Giampaolo Caruso
Katusha Team
+ 24'35
53
Jurgen Van Den Broeck
Lotto - Belisol
+ 24'51
54
Gorka Izagirre Insausti
Movistar Team
+ 25'09
55
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
+ 26'26
56
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Colombia
+ 27'35
57
Louis Meintjes
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 28'05
58
Tejay Van Garderen
BMC Racing Team
+ 28'29
59
Jacques Janse Van Rensburg
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 28'47
60
Dario Cataldo
Sky ProCycling
+ 29'44
61
Romain Hardy
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
s.t.
62
Jesús Ezquerra Muela
Movistar Team
+ 30'44
63
Zdenek Stybar
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 31'32
64
Marcel Wyss
IAM Cycling
+ 31'37
65
Juan Ernesto Chamorro Chitan
Trek Factory Racing
+ 31'39
66
Oliver Zaugg
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 31'55
67
Andrea Fedi
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 32'28
68
Amets Txurruka Ansola
Santander Ciclista
+ 32'48
69
Fabio Andre Tomas Silvestre
Trek Factory Racing
+ 33'36
70
Pierre Paolo Penasa
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 34'00
71
Andrea Manfredi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 34'11
72
Joseph Lloyd Dombrowski
Trek Factory Racing
+ 34'27
73
Gavin Mannion
BMC Racing Team
+ 34'33
74
Sergei Chernetskiy
Katusha Team
+ 35'23
75
Rigoberto Uran Uran
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 35'51
76
Kristof Vandewalle
Trek Factory Racing
+ 36'54
77
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Sky ProCycling
+ 37'07
78
Adrien Niyonshuti
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 37'10
79
Philip Gaimon
Garmin-Sharp
+ 37'28
80
Chad Haga
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 38'13
81
Johan Le Bon
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 38'15
82
Fabio Aru
Astana Pro Team
+ 38'30
83
Thor Hushovd
BMC Racing Team
+ 38'44
84
Vegard Breen
Lotto - Belisol
+ 39'18
85
Stijn Devolder
Trek Factory Racing
+ 40'20
86
John Gadret
Movistar Team
+ 41'23
87
Fabio Felline
Trek Factory Racing
+ 42'19
88
Ramunas Navardauskas
Garmin-Sharp
+ 42'35
89
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
+ 42'36
90
Jérôme Coppel
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 43'24
91
Andrey Amador Bikkazakova
Movistar Team
+ 43'36
92
Matteo Montaguti
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 44'06
93
Sebastian Langeveld
Garmin-Sharp
+ 45'15
94
Fabricio Ferrari Barcelo
Santander Ciclista
+ 45'25
95
Patrick Konrad
IAM Cycling
+ 46'07
96
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke
Sky ProCycling
+ 46'21
97
Ivan Santaromita
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 46'24
98
Yury Trofimov
Katusha Team
+ 46'57
99
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 47'06
100
Francesco Gavazzi
Astana Pro Team
+ 47'15
101
Brian Bach Vandborg
Pepsi Pro Cycling
+ 48'16
102
Alexandre Shushemoin
Astana Pro Team
+ 48'34
103
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Colombia
+ 48'52
104
Angel Madrazo Ruiz
Santander Ciclista
+ 49'03
105
Arman Kamyshev
Astana Pro Team
+ 49'04
106
Ivar Slik
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 49'06
107
Jani Tewelde Weldegaber
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 50'06
108
Giovanni Visconti
Movistar Team
+ 50'25
109
Marcel Kittel
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 51'02
110
Ramon Sinkeldam
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 51'18
111
Michael Hepburn
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 51'50
112
Freqalsi Debesay Abrha
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 52'52
113
Ricardo García Ambroa
Santander Ciclista
+ 53'25
114
Ruben Fernandez Andujar
Santander Ciclista
+ 54'14
115
Danilo Wyss
BMC Racing Team
+ 55'14
116
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 55'37
117
Dario Hernandez Illana
Movistar Team
+ 56'43
118
Egor Silin
Katusha Team
+ 56'48
119
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
+ 56'54
120
Daniele Bennati
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 57'00
121
Davide Appollonio
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 57'18
122
Aidis Kruopis
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 57'28
123
Bradley Wiggins
Sky ProCycling
+ 58'22
124
Emilien Viennet
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 58'23
125
Tyler Farrar
Garmin-Sharp
+ 58'26
126
Paolo Colonna
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 58'59
127
Jakub Foltyn
Team Giant - Allianz
+ 59'01
128
Johan Vansummeren
Garmin-Sharp
+ 59'03
129
Jürgen Roelandts
Lotto - Belisol
+ 59'59
130
Martin Reimer
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 1h00'19
131
Tom Boonen
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h02'12
132
Mauro Finetto
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1h02'25
133
Ben Gastauer
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 1h02'35
134
Matthieu Ladagnous
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 1h03'02
135
Adrien Petit
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 1h03'20
136
Ben Swift
Sky ProCycling
+ 1h04'40
137
Matti Breschel
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 1h05'45
138
Amaël Moinard
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 1h06'00
139
Ilia Koshevoy
Lampre - Colombia
+ 1h06'03
140
Davide Villella
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 1h06'37
141
Kristian Sbaragli
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 1h07'52
142
Patrick Gretsch
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 1h10'20
143
Tim Wellens
Lotto - Belisol
+ 1h11'19
144
Imanol Erviti Ollo
Santander Ciclista
+ 1h11'20
145
Theo Bos
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 1h13'06
146
Barry Markus
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 1h13'31
147
Gert Dockx
Lotto - Belisol
+ 1h13'54
148
Mark Renshaw
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h14'58
149
David Cimolai
Lampre - Colombia
+ 1h15'42
150
David Tanner
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 1h17'11
151
Ignatas Konovalovas
MTN - Qhubeka
+ 1h17'32
152
Yoann Offredo
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 1h18'13
153
Mitchell Docker
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 1h19'15
154
Davide Vigano
Santander Ciclista
+ 1h19'45
155
Maximiliano Ariel Richeze Araquistain
Lampre - Colombia
+ 1h19'50
156
Rick Flens
Belkin Pro Cycling
+ 1h20'17
157
Alan Marangoni
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1h23'29
158
Marko Kump
Tinkoff Credits System
+ 1h26'35
159
Andrea Dal Col
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1h27'45
160
Alessandro Vanotti
Astana Pro Team
+ 1h28'34
161
Donato De Ieso
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1h29'04
162
Stijn Vandenbergh
Telenet Pro Cycling Team
+ 1h30'41
163
Jens Debusschere
Lotto - Belisol
+ 1h32'07
164
Roberto Giacobazzi
Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox
+ 1h34'10
165
Aleksandr Rybakov
Katusha Team
+ 1h34'29
166
Svein Tuft
Orica - GreenEDGE
+ 1h34'32
167
Adam Blythe
Sky ProCycling
+ 1h35'30
168
Vicente Reynès Mimo
IAM Cycling
+ 1h37'12
169
Francisco Javier Aramendia Llorente
Santander Ciclista
+ 1h37'19
170
Roger Kluge
IAM Cycling
+ 1h40'49
171
Christophe Laporte
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 1h49'20
172
Roberto De Patre
Vini Fantini - Bettini
+ 1h51'16
173
Pavel Brutt
Katusha Team
+ 1h52'32
174
Jérôme Pineau
IAM Cycling
+ 1h54'53
175
Tom Van Asbroeck
Lotto - Belisol
+ 1h55'08
176
Lloyd Mondory
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 1h57'52
177
Jeremy Bescond
Cofidis Solutions Crédits
+ 2h01'28
178
Laurent Pichon
Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
+ 2h02'30
179
Damien Gaudin
Ag2r - La Mondiale
+ 2h04'32
180
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
+ 2h14'48
181
Vladimir Isaychev
Katusha Team
+ 2h22'48
Points Ranking
Greg Van Avermaet | BMC Racing Team
Mountain Ranking
Thibaut Pinot | Équipe Cycliste FDJ.fr
Young Ranking
Anthony Louveille | Team Giant - Allianz
Team Ranking
Vini Fantini - Bettini
The race is now over and I achieve more than I was expected, that white jersey was not planned at all but having an objective in a race like that help to concentrate.
I'm now waiting for Milan - Sanremo but before I shall do the GP Nobili Rubinetterie .
Tour of Qatar 
TEL) won the stage while Heinrich Haussler (
IAM) took the second position. Marcel did 3rd and I made my first top ten of the season finishing the stage at the 10th position.
TFR) took the third.
Trek Factory Racing
Simon GESCHKE
Anthony LOUVEILLE
PPO).
IAM) who were soon countered by Mikel Landa Meana (
AST). They both had no troubles to catch the breakaway riders. few kilometers later it was Natnael Berhane Teweldemedhin (
EUC) and Fabio Aru (
RUS). I was sitting in the middle of the chasing group being the only rider for Giant - Allianz.
TFR) and Francesco Reda (
TFR) and I hoped to be the best. Vini Fantini riders were better, they were flying toward the victory and I was seeing my chances of a top 3 vanished.
here is an interview I had for the Team's Website:
MTN). Too bad he had to leave the team.
VIN), Andrea Guardini (
LAM), Kristof Vandewalle (
TCS) that was in the group too.
TEL) and Gianni Meersman (
FDJ).
OHR), Kristof Vandewalle (
Jakub FOLTYN
OGE) wheel and I waited for the right moment.
GRS) and unfortunately for them attacking 25 kilometers from the finish is not the best idea.
PEP) and Greg Van Avermaet (
