We join you here in overcast conditions for the 2016 Dutch Food Valley classic. Not much wind to speak of so unless a daring move pays dividends we should see a straight sprint. it's over 200km long, so some could tire before the final dash.
Over 40km into the race, a duo is finally let go: Fahnert and Selvaggi will be charged with the impossible task of beating the peloton over 150km of flat roads.
50km left and the break has amassed a gap of 3'23 over the peloton, who are being led by an amalgamation of favourite's teams.
40km and 2'31
30km and 1'52
20km and 1'20
10km and caught! The dream is over for Fahnert and Selvaggi and so it's down to the sprinters - isn't it?
The answer appears to be yes as Bonnet leads the peloton under the 5km banner.
Or is it? Vanbilsen has gotten so used to being on camera the last two months he can't resist one last gasp attempt with 4km to go. It takes the burden off of teammate Van Asbroeck, but can it possibly succeed?
The answer appears to be... no. The trains are in position for the downhill dash to the line and Vanbilsen won't be breaking the hearts of any sprinters today.
2.5km to go and Wiesenhof and Euskatel dominate - here's the situation:
Anton “Aston” Martin
Paulus
Reza
Schorn
Bouhanni
Zabel
Vanoverschelde
Petit
Van Asbroeck
Tiainen
Van der Sande
Vinther
Willwohl
Lo Cicero
Vanbilsen
Van Heerden
Avelino
Despite the downhill finish nobody wants to go long (maybe a smart move) - Schorn launches but his teammate Paulus is blocking leader Zabel from getting on his wheel! Meanwhile Reza goes on the outside - Bouhanni and Vanoverschelde in tow.
Troels Vinther outta nowhere! He shoots from behind and leaves his leader Lo Cicero behind! Reza still on the outside whilst Schorn is going full Dzamastagic on everyone - it could work with the inside route, the lead with 1km to go and a downhill finish!
Lo Cicero with a corker of an acceleration into Vinther's wheel - Bouhanni goes but he's way on the outside and Vanoverschelde seems happy to sit behind for a top 5. Schorn isn't fading yet.
500m and Lo Cicero takes the lead and nobody will stop...
Ivan Lo Cicero from crushing his competition here in Veenendaal. Vanoverschelde proves me wrong with a smartly taken 2nd whilst Bouhanni can't capitalise on his team's good work - his outside line means he has to settle for third. Van Heerden and Avelino come from behind for 4th and 5th respectively - Schorn is unlucky to fade to 6th in the last 400m.
That's all from the province of Utrecht, Ivan Lo Cicero takes a win from nowhere - but that doesn't stop it from being a dominating bike length to 2nd! His team failed - all but Vinther, who set him up perfectly.
