Before the hill stage tomorrow decides the GC, another chance for the sprinters. Pan flat towards the end, quite bumpy on the first 100km.
5 breakaway riders today: Powless Herrera Van Aert Schreurs Vlasov
Aker and Indosat were let alone with the chasing and so there still is a notable gap with under 2,5km to go!
Goss getting his usual train on the left, Ciolek on the right with the Vanderbiest train behind them and then all the regular sprint competitors in the mix.
But as the gap is still at 50s with 1,9km to go, those here might take the stage win.
Herrera is a bit behind, so it might be within four riders only and Van Aert could really have a huge impact in the relegation fight today.
Kragh Andersen also realizes this danger and starts the sprint very early with more than 1,2km to go. Goss also goes into the win trying to use the slipstream of the Dane.
900m and Van Aert in the lead with Vlasov and Schreurs behind and also Herrera found his legs again.
But the peloton sprinters also not that far behind! Close one. Just 24s.
400m and 14s!
Powless moves to the right trying to accelerate. Vlasov and Schreurs still waiting while Herrera lost contact again.
With a late move Vlasov goes through the gap in between Van Aert and Powless and takes the win! Van Aert still 2nd though with Schreurs and a tired Powless next. That`s big points for Lierse obviously.
Even more as Kragh Andersen couldn`t keep his long sprint and dropped down to 19th!
Goss wins the sprint of the peloton. Ciolek and Roelandts as best sprinters in the point competition in the late top10.
