Welcome to Germany for the Vattenfall Classic. Last year the race was won by home rider Erik Mohs, the chance of repeating his victory is there, but with the amount of top sprinters here, also unlikely. The little hills might also bring forth a surprise winner.
The top rated favorites are Rowe, Kennaugh and Steegmans. But there are so many good riders here, be it sprinter, rouleur or puncheur, that it is hard to predict a winner.
Despite so many riders here, and this being a prestigious classic, only one rider went in the break. Te Brake from Telenor - SAS. He was given a maximum advantage of 8 minutes.
The pack was being lead by Pokerstars and especially 100% ME. They must have a lot of faith in one of their 3 sprinters.
By the time we get to the first small hills, Te Brake's lead has gone down to 4 minutes. After those 2 little hills, he only has a 2 minutes lead left.
When the pack reached the top of the second hill, Delage attacked. He was closing the gap to Te Brake on his own.
5km later, Smukulis, Jamieson and Inoue attack out of the peleton.
Santander join 100% ME in the chase. Kennaugh is also taking part in the chase, which means he won't be the n°1 sprinter.
However, a lot of riders didn't think the pace was fast enough and placed an attack. At this time, there was still 70km to go! Among the attacker; Rast, Pagoto, Feuilli and ... Steegmans!
Steegmans blasts past everyone and reaches Te Brake. Delage is still in front of them. Team-mate Pagoto also closes the gap to join Steegmans. This could be a dangerous duo.
Steegmans and Pagoto both get caught again, Vespa's plan has failed. Delage is still alone in front.
Actually, Vespa still has a back-up plan. Cappelle attacks on the last hill and flies past Delage. He has a gap of 1' with 20km to go and is still "fresh".
Then something remarkable happens. In the full chase, with less then 10km to go, Ciolek steps of his bike. No crash, no mechanic, he just quits ...
Back to the front, and now it's really game-over for Vespa. Cappelle gets caught with 6km to go. We're going to have a mass sprint!
There are actually a few sprint trains being formed; Kennaugh - Swift - Cavendish and Vanderaerden - Forero - Casper. Rowe, Goss, Vantomme, Mohs are all pretty far back.
It's Terpstra who takes the lead in the sprint. Del Nero is also making his move. Cavendish and Swift fucked up and are now stuck. The other sprinters are still back, although Van Heerden is coming trought the middle with Goss, Vantomme and Rowe in his wheel.
And yes, there come a few sprinters. Van Heerden with Goss come at the right side of the road while Vantomme with Rowe come at the left side. Only 750m left though.
Van Heerden takes the lead, but Goss moves around. Vantomme and Rowe are also coming with full speed.
It looks like it's going to be between Van Heerden and Goss. With 250m to go, Van Heerden still has the advantage. Who'll make it?
It's Matthew Goss! Right on the line, in a millimeter sprint. Also a millimeter sprint for 3th. it's Vantomme who takes it. Rowe 4th.
Early launcher, Del Nero gets 5th. Swift gets 6th, a disappointing result for 100% ME.
