A lead group, initiated by Jan Barta directly after the race’s start, dictated the first monument of the year for most parts. Like in the previous year, Barta was able to be part of the lead at the season’s longest cycling race until 40 kilometers to go. At this point, the leaders attacked themselves and the group fell apart. Barta was able to stay with a following chasing group until the final climb, when the 30-years old Czech had to pay the price for his long effort. German rider John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) won in a sprint from a selected group just ahead of last year’s winner Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Michael Matthews (Orica-Greenedge).

From a BORA – ARGON 18 perspective, the race was overshadowed by a crash of Paul Voss, who fall on wet roads during thedescent of the Capo Berta. Voss was able to finish the race and according to the latest news, he has suffered no major injuries from the fall.

“The race carried out exactly as we expected. Our main goal was that one of our riders is part of the lead group. Jan made it into the early break and he did a good race. The guys back in the peloton were assigned to bring Sam [Bennett] in a good position at the deciding points of the race. Cristiano [Salerno] and Paul had the tactical freedom to follow late attacks. Unfortunately Paul was involved in a crash with several riders at the Capo Berta which also kept back some more of our riders. It’s a real pity for Paul because he had a very good form”, comments Enrico Poitschke, Sport Director of BORA – ARGON 18, on the first cycling monument.

“The guys did their best to bring Sam back to the front group till the Cipressa, which didn’t work out unfortunately. We knew beforehand that this race might be a bit too long at this point for Sam. We gave him the chance to get to know the race for upcoming years. And that’s what he did very well. According to his statement after the race he wasn’t that far away from being part of the selected group that sprinted for the win. That’s a very promising sign”, Poitschke continues.