Dippofix - Thanks. Answers: 1) Since I got my new laptop, these have been my graphics, yes that's before this story.
2) ASUS replaced Giant this season.
tpinot - Matt is currently one of the strongest cobblers, that's true. Probably the one in the best form and the highest motivation, too Démare back at home
Time for "my" race. Gent - Wevelgem starts in Deinze and that's where I live. I've never done worse or better than a second place here. Let's see if we can change that today!
Profile
Not too many cobbled sections. This usually comes down to a (mass) sprint, so let's keep our noses down until the final 20 kilometers!
Bradley Carroll, my loyal team mate and very good friend, got in the break of the day. Our team is so strong it's amazing. We always have a guy at the front to relieve the work in the back.
After Sanremo and E3, my legs felt very heavy today. I wouldn't make the difference today, so I was hoping to keep the pack together and do it in the sprint.
But the weather conditions didn't invite for a 100 man peloton to get to the finish. I wasn't strong enough today. My race was over.
At the front, Degenkolb made the jump to the breakaway. They latched on like crazy and headed for the finish.
Bradley Carroll and his breakaway companions made it to the finish line. Degenkolb had tired himself out by bringing them here. So my good mate was making the final jump! Go, buddy, go!
BBRRRAAAADDDDLLLLEEEEEEYYYYY! What a victory!
I finished 51st, after a terrible off-day. But when I saw Bradley had won, I was so happy for him, I couldn't be disappointed at all. A great day for the team!
Result
Now it's a matter of putting this (bad) day behind me and look forward to De Ronde Van Vlaanderen. One off-day doesn't mean anything, or so I should keep telling myself. Keep the focus and go for the big one!
Great victory at E3, but bad day for Matt here. After 3 victories on the pave, it's great to know that his teammates are there to pick up the torch whe he drops it. OGE is the new power-house in spring classics.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Shonak - It seems so. Orica has taken over OPQS' role. Matthias' wish has been granted, he has a very strong back up team. De Ronde will be a great race!
sutty68 - Bradley Carroll, I scouted him two seasons ago. Last year he was the lead-out man for Matthias in Poland and Austria and he scored two wins himself there. Young Brit, very talented!
Total domination in the classics so far, great to see. Hopefully matthias can pick up his winning streak in the Ronde and Roubaix, that would be awesome!
I woke up this morning and looked out my window, only to see a grey sky, as far as the eye could see. My window had little drops of rain on it. I knew the weather conditions would be perfect for a tough race today.
After my bad day in Wevelgem, a week ago now, I felt just a little insecure. But with the Belgian Jersey around my shoulders, I wasn't going to the Ronde to ride for just any place. I was going there for one thing only, and that was to win!
Profile
This year's edition returns to the Muur van Geraardsbergen and finishes in Meerbeke. It's a profile that suits me fine. There will be plenty of time to attack, though things might get back together in the passage before the Muur.
I've never been here with a stronger team, so we'll go for the highest place today.
In order to control the three-men break, every team put a few men at the front.
In the second part of the race, we decided to put our first cards on the table.
Part one: increase the pace, make everyone grasp for breath!
After a half hour of pain, we finally saw attacks. Sagan and Gilbert were trying to get away. They took about 20 seconds.
Roelandts stepped up to reduce the gap. I sat at his wheel and I can tell you it went hard, really hard!
As predicted, things got back together and we were heading towards Geraardsbergen with a group of about 30. Though half of them was already dropped, they just didn't realize it yet.
On a little cobbled road just outside Geraardsbergen, I made my move! Everyone was waiting for the Muur that they were taken by surprise.
I was feeling better and better by the minute, and so I was able to keep up my effort way up until the Muur.
The Muur was incredible. Thousands of fans just screaming, cheering. They would recognize this national jersey with their eyes closed!
At the top, I had 40 seconds on Langeveld!
And then, all was left for me was a 10 km time trial. The noise of the crowd was unreal. For 10 kilometers, the road was filled with spectators, just standing there, cheering, applauding!
I rode into town and I was welcomed like a hero. It felt like a royal visit. I heard my name through a million different voices, but they all felt the same, everyone was excited!
We had made it! Our team work payed off, we had done it! De Ronde Van Vlaanderen is ours, what a day! I could kiss the sky!
At the finish, I was speechless. It wasn't until the reporters found me that I regained my power to speak. I was on a high, a Ronde high!
Matthias Vleminckx, congratulations, you fulfilled your expectations. What a victory.
It's fantastic. I mean, at this age, it's just something out of this world for me. I can't believe this is all happening. It is your second monument and still you're only 24. How is it you ride around like you've been doing this for 15 years?
These races just suit me fine. You see, De Ronde and Roubaix don't lie, these are races where the strongest riders come out at the front, bar accidents. It's a battle of wits and power, combined with some team work and tactics. Today, I had all the elements on my side. I was feeling super strong, our team was obviously the strongest in the race and I made a bold move in going before the Muur, when everyone else was just waiting around for the Muur to come. This is your biggest victory ever without a doubt.
Well, you know, Roubaix is a colossal race and that was just an unforgettable day. But winning de Ronde, in this jersey no less, yes, it's a unique feeling. This is a day I'll treasure forever. I want to thank my team for their hard work and I especially want to thank the people who cheered me on for the final 10 kilometers, when my legs were burning so hard I thought I was dying. It seems nothing can go wrong this year for you and your team. What makes you so successful?
We just have an amazing squad this season. And we're all good mates, that's something special. You always do a little extra for a mate than for a team mate. Even when I have a bad day, there's someone to pick up the victory, like Brad in Wevelgem. I was so happy for him, really. Everyone expects you to do the double now. What are your chances for winning Roubaix?
I'll certainly give it everything I've got, but that's never a guarantee, so much can happen. Don't write off Degenkolb, he's been riding around like a beast lately. I'm a bit surprised of Vanmarcke's level this year, though. He's not as strong as expected. Thank you, it's time for the podium!
Result
1
Matthias Vleminckx
Orica GreenEdge
6h01'07
2
Sebastian Langeveld
Garmin Sharp
+ 1'16
3
Peter Sagan
Cannondale
+ 2'39
4
Heinrich Haussler
IAM Cycling
s.t.
5
John Degenkolb
Team Sky
s.t.
6
Zdenek Stybar
ASUS
s.t.
7
Greg Van Avermaet
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
8
Sébastien Turgot
Movistar Team
s.t.
9
Philippe Gilbert
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
10
Geraint Thomas
Team Sky
s.t.
11
Niki Terpstra
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
12
Kenneth Vanbilsen
FDJ.fr
s.t.
13
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
14
Alexander Kristoff
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 3'14
15
Maarten Wynants
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 4'23
Spoiler
16
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
17
Lars Boom
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
18
Damien Gaudin
Team Katusha
s.t.
19
Iljo Keisse
TEAM Soleco
+ 6'04
20
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ.fr
+ 9'42
21
Jürgen Roelandts
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
22
Arnaud Demare
FDJ.fr
s.t.
23
Tom Van Asbroeck
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
24
Silvan Dillier
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
25
Marcel Kittel
ASUS
s.t.
26
Rick Zabel
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
27
Michael Mørkøv
IAM Cycling
s.t.
28
Ian Stannard
Team Sky
s.t.
29
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
30
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
31
Matteo Trentin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
32
Giacomo Nizzolo
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
33
Yohan Offredo
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
34
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
35
Ramon Sinkeldam
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
36
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
37
Alessandro Ballan
Team Katusha
s.t.
38
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
39
Enrico Gasparotto
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
40
Michał Kwiatkowski
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
41
Robert Wagner
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
42
Jacopo Guarnieri
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
43
Klaas Lodewyck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
44
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
45
Tim Declercq
TEAM Soleco
s.t.
46
Gediminas Bagdonas
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
47
Alexey Tsatevitch
Team Katusha
s.t.
48
Johan Le Bon
Team Europcar
s.t.
49
Tom Leezer
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
50
Yauheni Hutarovich
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
51
Lloyd Mondory
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
52
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
53
Marko Kump
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
54
Aleksejs Saramotins
IAM Cycling
s.t.
55
Marco Marcato
Cannondale
s.t.
56
Pieter Jacobs
TEAM Soleco
s.t.
57
Björn Thurau
Team Europcar
s.t.
58
Bert De Backer
ASUS
s.t.
59
Bradley Carroll
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
60
Dave De Waele
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
61
Stijn Vandenbergh
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
62
Manuel Quinziato
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
63
Luca Paolini
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
64
Marco Haller
Team Katusha
s.t.
65
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
66
Dries Devenyns
ASUS
s.t.
67
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
68
Thor Hushovd
Cannondale
s.t.
69
Ryder Hesjedal
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
70
Preben Van Hecke
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
71
Marcel Meisen
Team Stölting
s.t.
72
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
73
Jonas Vangenechten
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
74
Nathan Haas
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
75
Matthew Hayman
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
76
Borut Božic
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
77
Bradley Wiggins
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
78
Davy Commeyne
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
79
Roger Kluge
IAM Cycling
s.t.
80
Kevin Pauwels
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
81
Vladimir Gusev
Team Katusha
s.t.
82
Guillaume Boivin
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
83
Barry Markus
ASUS
s.t.
84
Cyril Lemoine
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
85
Jesús Herrada
Movistar Team
s.t.
86
Davide Cimolai
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
87
Julien Bérard
FDJ.fr
s.t.
88
Zico Waeytens
TEAM Soleco
s.t.
89
Yves Lampaert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
90
Gert Dockx
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
91
Marcel Aregger
IAM Cycling
s.t.
92
Mirko Selvaggi
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
93
Simon Geschke
Team Stölting
s.t.
94
Cyril Gautier
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
95
Silvio Herklotz
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
96
Brian Bulgac
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
97
Egor Silin
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
98
Alexis Vuillermoz
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
99
Juan José Lobato
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
100
Alex Howes
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
101
Davide Malacarne
Cannondale
s.t.
102
Thomas Degand
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
103
Jesse Sergent
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
104
Gabriel Rasch
Team Sky
s.t.
105
Joshua Edmondson
Team Sky
s.t.
106
Jérôme Cousin
Team Europcar
s.t.
107
Steven Kruijswijk
ASUS
s.t.
108
Thomas Damuseau
ASUS
s.t.
109
Alessandro De Marchi
Cannondale
s.t.
110
Wout Poels
ASUS
s.t.
111
Valerio Agnoli
Team Katusha
s.t.
112
Murilo Fischer
FDJ.fr
s.t.
113
Ángel Madrazo
Movistar Team
s.t.
114
Sylvain Chavanel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
115
Arnold Jeannesson
FDJ.fr
s.t.
116
Michael Van Staeyen
TEAM Soleco
+ 15'01
117
Jay McCarthy
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
118
Eugenio Alafaci
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
119
Kevin Claeys
TEAM Soleco
s.t.
120
Edward Theuns
TEAM Soleco
s.t.
121
Linus Gerdemann
Team Stölting
s.t.
122
David De la Cruz
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
123
Rüdiger Selig
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
124
Fabio Felline
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
125
Andrea Palini
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
126
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
127
Danny Van Poppel
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
128
Mikhail Ignatiev
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
129
Maciej Paterski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
130
Patrick Gretsch
Team Stölting
s.t.
131
Bart De Clercq
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
132
Peter Stetina
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
133
Fred Rodriguez
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
134
Igor Antón
Movistar Team
s.t.
135
Victor Campenaerts
TEAM Soleco
+ 16'23
136
Marc Goos
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
137
Dylan Teuns
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
138
Leigh Howard
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
139
Guillaume Bonnafond
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
140
Iván Gutiérrez
Movistar Team
s.t.
141
Davide Bruno
Cannondale
s.t.
142
Diego Milán
Team Sky
s.t.
143
Jacob Martinez
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
144
Dimitry Kozontchuk
Team Katusha
+ 16'52
145
Michele Gaia
Team Sky
s.t.
146
Steve Morabito
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
147
Jens Mouris
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
148
Yannick Eijssen
BMC Racing Team
+ 17'48
149
Augusto Campo
Cannondale
s.t.
150
Alfonso Fiorenza
Team Katusha
+ 18'28
151
Peter Kennaugh
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
152
Danilo Napolitano
Team Sky
s.t.
153
Sergey Lagutin
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
154
Valentin Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
155
Sylwester Janiszewski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
156
Joey Rosskopf
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
157
Rubén Fernández
Movistar Team
s.t.
158
Michael Rogers
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
159
Patrick Schelling
IAM Cycling
s.t.
160
Asier Serrano Garcia
Movistar Team
s.t.
161
Matthias Frank
IAM Cycling
s.t.
162
Marcel Wyss
IAM Cycling
+ 20'26
163
Matteo Bono
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
164
Sebastien Frey
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
165
Frantisek Padour
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
166
Juan Arregui
Movistar Team
s.t.
167
Paul Brousse
FDJ.fr
s.t.
168
Marco Frapporti
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
169
Oliver Zaugg
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
170
Valerio Conti
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
171
Tsgabu Grmay
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
172
Jaroslaw Dabrowski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
+ 22'28
173
Luke Keough
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
174
Matthieu Boulo
Team Europcar
s.t.
175
Romain Guillemois
Team Europcar
s.t.
176
Vincent Jackson
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
177
Theo Reinhardt
Team Stölting
s.t.
178
Tomasz Marczynski
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
179
Calvin Watson
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
180
Gerry Druyts
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
181
Piotr Gawroński
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
182
Max Walscheid
Team Stölting
s.t.
183
Alexander R. Kästner
Team Stölting
s.t.
184
Davide Rebellin
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
185
Julien Loubet
Team Europcar
s.t.
186
Markel Irizar
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
187
Samuel Lombard
FDJ.fr
+ 25'32
188
Marco Ippolito
Cannondale
s.t.
189
Mateusz Taciak
CCC Polsat Polkowice
+ 26'31
190
Alexander Boyd
Exergy Development Group
s.t.
191
Paolo Tiralongo
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
192
Tim Gebauer
Team Stölting
s.t.
193
Sven M. Schuster
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
194
Zbigniew Nowak
CCC Polsat Polkowice
s.t.
195
Thibault Bourbon
Team Europcar
s.t.
196
Przemyslaw Niemiec
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
197
Pier Hermans
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
+ 30'12
198
Sean Hernandez
Trek Factory Racing
+ 34'34
I absolutely have to learn to keep my mouth shut about some things. That thing I said about Vanmarcke in the interview really wasn't meant to come out that way. But after a race, your body is so tired you say things you normally wouldn't. Last year, I got Terpstra against me. Now, Vanmarcke reacted pretty angry at what I said.
But let's not worry about that now, we've got to think about Roubaix!
I rode into town and I was welcomed like a hero. It felt like a royal visit.
King of Flanders obviously, duh.
What a domination by Matt, totally rocking it there! I'm pretty sure Vanmarcke will know what Matt meant, truth hurts though. His training didn't seem to be as good as in previous years with him only coming in 13th.
Edited by Shonak on 04-05-2014 09:05
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I've been so nervous all week for today, and finally it has arrived: the world's most beautiful and most heroic race. Coming back here one year after my victory here is somewhat strange. I've grown stronger since then, but I can't play the surprise card anymore now, nowhere to hide.
Today we would see a spectacular and open battle.
Profile
Our squad is completely ready to do this. Wiggins is even prepared to do full domestique duties. It will come down to pure strength today. We need to be 100%
Once again we saw a big break, seems to be the trend this year. We didn't give them much room, given the danger involved.
Just like the previous races, we decided to take the race into our own hands.
When Sep Vanmarcke attacked, I didn't answer immediately.
It was too dangerous a group to let go. My team had worked itself to death, so to speak, so I went looking for the attackers myself now. Vanmarcke had a 20 second lead.
But my legs were burning up. I felt the energy draining from them kilometer after kilometer, until they were almost completely empty.
I had to let them go and choose my own pace, there was no other way.
France will party tonight, with Ladagnous taking the victory of his life here!
Roelandts passed me by and offered to do some work for me, but I told him to go ahead and try to get a top 10 place himself, I was completely dead anyway.
Result
1
Matthieu Ladagnous
FDJ.fr
5h51'22
2
Sebastian Langeveld
Garmin Sharp
+ 30
3
Sep Vanmarcke
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 55
4
John Degenkolb
Team Sky
+ 1'16
5
Geraint Thomas
Team Sky
+ 2'44
6
Sébastien Turgot
Movistar Team
s.t.
7
Lars Boom
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
8
Arnaud Demare
FDJ.fr
s.t.
9
Zdenek Stybar
ASUS
s.t.
10
Greg Van Avermaet
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
11
Tom Boonen
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
12
Jürgen Roelandts
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
13
Niki Terpstra
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
14
Stijn Vandenbergh
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
15
Kenneth Vanbilsen
FDJ.fr
s.t.
16
Matthias Vleminckx
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
17
Damien Gaudin
Team Katusha
+ 4'04
18
Steve Chainel
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 5'24
19
Yohan Offredo
Tinkoff - Saxo
s.t.
20
Tom Van Asbroeck
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
Spoiler
21
Filippo Pozzato
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
22
Taylor Phinney
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
23
Sylvain Chavanel
AG2R La Mondiale
s.t.
24
Maarten Wynants
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
25
Björn Leukemans
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
26
Fabio Sabatini
Cannondale
+ 7'11
27
Ian Stannard
Team Sky
s.t.
28
Marcus Burghardt
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
29
Vincent Jérôme
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
30
Alessandro Ballan
Team Katusha
s.t.
31
Alexander Kristoff
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
+ 9'53
32
Bert De Backer
ASUS
+ 10'20
33
Matthew Hayman
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
34
Bradley Wiggins
Orica GreenEdge
+ 11'12
35
Tony Gallopin
Lotto Belisol
+ 12'45
36
Matteo Trentin
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
37
Marco Marcato
Cannondale
s.t.
38
Elia Favilli
Lampre - Merida
s.t.
39
Maxim Iglinskiy
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
40
Johan Le Bon
Team Europcar
s.t.
41
Bradley Carroll
Orica GreenEdge
s.t.
42
Jasper Stuyven
Trek Factory Racing
+ 14'15
43
Gert Steegmans
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
44
Björn Thurau
Team Europcar
+ 15'01
45
Borut Božic
Astana Pro Team
+ 16'38
46
André Greipel
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
47
Egoitz García
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 19'48
48
Maciej Bodnar
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
49
Mirko Selvaggi
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
50
Thomas Voeckler
Team Europcar
s.t.
51
Maarten Tjallingii
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
52
Dave De Waele
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
53
Ramon Sinkeldam
Exergy Development Group
+ 21'00
54
Giacomo Nizzolo
Garmin Sharp
+ 21'56
55
Sébastien Chavanel
FDJ.fr
s.t.
56
Yauheni Hutarovich
Astana Pro Team
+ 23'46
57
Klaas Lodewyck
BMC Racing Team
s.t.
58
Cyril Gautier
AG2R La Mondiale
+ 26'05
59
Marko Kump
Tinkoff - Saxo
+ 28'10
60
William Bonnet
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
+ 28'43
61
Danilo Hondo
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
62
Mark Cavendish
Team Sky
+ 29'36
63
Lieuwe Westra
Astana Pro Team
s.t.
64
Gabriel Rasch
Team Sky
+ 30'55
65
Danny Van Poppel
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
+ 31'26
66
Marcel Kittel
ASUS
s.t.
67
Phil Bauhaus
Team Stölting
s.t.
68
Davy Commeyne
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
s.t.
69
Kristof Vandewalle
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
70
Thomas Degand
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
71
Enrico Montanari
Bardiani CSF
s.t.
72
Kevin Reza
Team Europcar
s.t.
73
Paul Voss
ASUS
+ 32'13
74
Wesley Kreder
Wanty - Groupe Gobert
s.t.
75
Marco Haller
Team Katusha
s.t.
76
Dylan van Baarle
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
77
Sonny Colbrelli
Bardiani CSF
s.t.
78
Kenny Dehaes
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
79
Tom Slagter
Garmin Sharp
s.t.
80
Jesse Sergent
Trek Factory Racing
s.t.
81
Dennis Vanendert
Lotto Belisol
s.t.
82
Stéphane Poulhiès
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits
s.t.
83
Simone Ponzi
Team Sky
s.t.
84
Luke Rowe
Garmin Sharp
+ 32'59
85
Julien Simon
FDJ.fr
+ 34'33
86
Alessandro Pirro
Bardiani CSF
s.t.
87
Tosh Van der Sande
Lotto Belisol
+ 35'15
88
Scott Thwaites
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
89
Barry Markus
ASUS
s.t.
90
Simon Geschke
Team Stölting
s.t.
91
Yoann Paillot
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
92
Linus Gerdemann
Team Stölting
s.t.
93
Jos Van Emden
Belkin Pro Cycling Team
s.t.
94
Yury Trofimov
Team Katusha
s.t.
95
Jimmy Engoulvent
Bretagne - Séché Environnement
s.t.
96
Nathan Haas
Garmin Sharp
+ 36'31
97
Julian Alaphilippe
Omega Pharma - Quick·Step Cycling Team
+ 37'08
98
Daniel Schorn
Jack Wolfskin
s.t.
99
Mikhail Ignatiev
Tinkoff - Saxo
+ 37'35
What a difference from last year. Scratch that -- what a difference from last week. My legs really weren't answering. Maybe I have been peaking too long. I was 99% in the Omloop, maybe that's too early.
Only an hour after I finished, I told the DS I'm giving up my spot for the Amstel Gold Race. The team is better of to give it to someone much fresher. I'll go on a brake and take some rest, I feel I need it. I'll do some more training on the WC profile.
I'm not at all disappointed, though. I simply wasn't good enough today. And, after all, I won Vlaanderen's Mooiste. Believe me, my early season is a big, big success!
I'll be back to race in the Tour of Belgium.
See you there,
Matthias
Last year roubaix, this year the Ronde and next year the double?
Despite of this performance in Roubaix it was a very successful year so far. Congratulations on the numerous wins and good luck for the time after the break. May the late summer be as successful as the spring...
that's before this story.
Démare back at home 
Gent - Wevelgem 2016 
I'm pretty sure Vanmarcke will know what Matt meant, truth hurts though. His training didn't seem to be as good as in previous years with him only coming in 13th.
Paris - Roubaix 2016 
