Once again, CULT Energy Pro Cycling was represented in the long-lasting breakaway on today’s 217 kilometer long second stage of Three Days at Panne from Zottegem to Koksijde. Martin Mortensen truly animated the front group insisting on maintaining the gap but eventually the stage was decided in a bunch sprint where 19 year-old Mads Pedersen finished 15th.

The breakaway including Martin Mortensen managed to work up a lead of 7.30 minutes before the pack with Trek Factory Racing as the main engine started reeling in the front group. Soon, the peloton exploded and a select chase group of approximately 50 riders minimized the gap significantly before stabilizing the gap to about one minute. Entering the first of 3 laps on the local circuit in Koksijde, the gap was down to 30 seconds and the escapees started testing each other. CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Martin Mortensen was especially eager.

However, a group of nine riders including Lars Bak (Lotto Soudal) managed to bridge across to the front group with Mortensen and boosted the breakaway’s time in the sun but with 19 kilometers to go, it seemed to be all over. Just as the peloton made contact, Mortensen launched a new surprise attack and two riders came through to form yet a new front trio.

Rushing into the final 4 kilometers, Mortensen was finally swept up after a tenacious effort in the headwind throughout the day and the stage was concluded in a frantic bunch sprint where race leader, Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) took another stunning win to retain the overall lead.

DS André Steensen says.

"I can only be happy about the boys' effort out there today. Our plan was to hit the right break and Martin succeeded beautifully and with attack upon attack he extended his time in the front until the final 4 kilometers where he ultimately had to give up. In the bunch sprint, Troels (Vinther) and Michael (Reihs) put Mads (Pedersen) in a great position on Greipel's wheel and made it to 15th. Most of the contenders here are preparing for Ronde van Vlaanderen and being able to compete for the stage win is all I could have hoped for."