Ciolek, Vantomme and Van Heerden must be considered the favorites to this stage and who knows someone might fight their rule !?
4 man break on todays stage and many fought for these spots : Chainel, L.Keough, Chan and Kosic
The break was eventually neutralized in the end and it looks to be the first bunch sprint. Eritrel, TomTom and Puma are fairly visible and the 3 favorites are well represented
Nelson and Ahlstrand is not near the trains yet
Verbist
Vantomme
Petit
Bouhanni
Bar
Groenewegen
Lander
Van der Sande
Ciolek
Van Heerden
Impey
Kupfernagel
Boonen
Bar launches the Puma train with Lander with Van Heerden, Boonen, Impey and Vantomme in the following positions
Boonen leads through and Ciolek begins to go aggressive. Van Heerden is launched at the same time with Nelson coming fast on the side
Vantomme now in the front with a strong comeback! Ciolek can still close the gap, but it's currently really tight for space!
Maxime Vantomme wins the first stage ahead of Ciolek and Kupfernagel taking the podium spots. Impey and Boonen finishes off the Top 5.
