The semi-classic Le Samyn was raced today over 201 kilometers from Quaregnon to Dour in the South of Belgium. Sprinting from a small group, Kris Boeckmans (Lotto – Soudal) won ahead of Gianni Meersmann (Etixx – Quickstep) and Christophe Laporte (Cofidis). Despite some bad luck with crashes and mechanicals during the race, BORA – ARGON 18 were an active part of the race’s final. Jan Barta initiated a late attack that was chased-down with eight kilometers to go only. Besides Barta, young German sprinter Michael Schwarzmann and new signing Christoph Pfingsten represented the team in the final. Just on the last cobblestone sector, three kilometer before the finish, they had to let go the deciding group.

“Wind, a bad pavé sector and a tough windy lap dictated the race. The guys did well but we had quite some bad luck today with crashes and mechanicals. Scott’s [Thwaites] shifting ruptured in the worst moment of the race. After a bike change he never made it back into the field. Jan tried an attack in the final and was part of the head group on the final lap. Even though the guys raced well we obviously hoped for a better result”, Sport Director Steffen Radochla comments on his first race for BORA – ARGON 18.

A crash of Ralf Matzka overshadowed the race. “Ralf was taken to the hospital right after his crash. I just called them but there is no news yet. He had quite some pain in his foot and we have to check if this is a serious injury. Fingers are crossed that we’ll get some good news because Ralf is in top-form and therefore he’s planned for the upcoming race on Friday”, Radochla continues.

The team will start at the Belgian short stage race Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen next Friday. “We look ahead. On Friday we’ll start with a prologue in West-Flanders, which suits Jan but also Christoph who is in good shape. The result of the prologue will indicate the further tactics for the race”, Radochla describes the upcoming race.