Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team was well represented in the top finishers at 194.5km Classic Sud-Ardèche on Saturday. After a grueling parcours that included 11 climbs, however, things didn't look good for the Belgian team which had failed to make it into the 6-rider breakaway on the penultimate climb.

The team took things into their own hands and organized a hard chase that brought back Romain Bardet, Arthur Vichot, Pierrick Fedrigo, Riccardo Zoidl, Julian Arredondo, and Remy Di Gregorio just as they passed the flamme rouge. With Gianni Meersman present in the front group, all was set for the second win of the season for the fast Belgian.

However, Armindo Fonseca crashed in the final corner, forcing Meersman to slow down and instead lead-out man Michal Golas was forced to sprint. The Pole did well to take 2nd behind Florian Vachon who had also taken a sudden chance due to crash of his sprinter, Fonseca.

"We controlled the race, then in the final we worked to close the gap on the breakaway," Golas said. "Gianni was the rider designated to do the race so we tried to put him in the best position for the final sprint. The last corner was at 130 meters to go. We were really well placed, but the first rider who entered in the left corner, crashed and Gianni was forced to brake and lose his speed.

"I also had to brake, but with a bit more speed I was able to close the gap and finish in second place. It's a pity because we were really close to the victory, but I think that once again we showed that we take the initiative and we always race to try to win."

"It's always disappointing to lose a sprint," he added to Directvelo. "The finale was difficult to handle. In the end, the position in the home straight was decisive. The crash in the finale decided everything. Second is not a bad result.

"Normally, I had to lead out Gianni Meersman. I was in third position. Gianni was on my wheel. But we were disrupted in the final corner. It changed out plans and I had to do my own sprint. I did not expect to sprint for the win. It was not planned at all. I must admit that we didn't knwo the final kilometres. I was really surprised by the turn.

"I have several places of honor since last year (second in a stage of the Tour of Britain, third in stage of the Tour de Langkawi. But every time I miss a little bit. I don't know what. Can you tell me? I think it will eventually come."

Tomorrow, Golas will be back in action when he lines up in La Drome Classic.

"Tomorrow looks like it is easier, but the short final climb is close to the finish and possibly can encourage the attacks of a few riders. We will see," Golas said.