With several small climbs, the opening stage of the Driedaagse van de Panne was not one for the pure sprinters but Marcel Kittel showed great form by getting over the many climbs. In the end, the peloton was only sprinting for 14th but the performance makes the German confident for the upcoming flat stages.

A late attack with just over 10km to go foiled Marcel Kittel’s chances of a stage win on the opening day of the VDK-Driedaagse De Panne.

Peter Sagan (Cannondale) took off on final hill of the day to bridge over to the final escapees, taking a couple of riders with him, before going on to take the stage. Behind this group, Kittel took the bunch sprint for 14th place, showing signs of what could have been.

The day started with a break of six riders, which later in the stage were joined by three more as the race threatened to come back together. Tobias Ludvigsson came unstuck in the final 20km but was able to quickly regain contact with the bunch after a swift bike change with teammate Tom Stamsnijder.

As the race approached the final climb of the day, a short ramp with just over 10km to race,  Sagan (Cannondale) and his teammates raised the pace and as the peloton swung a right onto the climb Sagan took off and only a few could hold his wheel.

Come the finish, Sagan took the sprint from a group of 11, while Kittel led the bunch over the line just behind two chasing riders.

Team Giant-Shimano coach Aike Visbeek said:

“The goals for today were to go for the sprint with Marcel but also to make sure that Tobias did not lose any time.

“Tobias hit the deck in the final 20km as things got pretty nervous but Tom S was quickly there to swap bikes and get Tobias going again. Sea Keong Loh also unfortunately crashed earlier in the stage but came away from it ok and should be ok to start tomorrow.

“After Sagan attacked we started to chase straight away but were up against a strong break who were working well together. Marcel took the sprint and felt good out there today which bodes well for the next few stages.”

Marcel said after the stage:

“In general I am happy with how today went, as the legs felt good and I the team rode well. The only slight disappointment was not being with Sagan when he went, but barely anybody could follow.

“It gives me the confidence I need for the next few stages, knowing that my legs are good, and for us the real sprint stages are still to come. Tomorrow is flat and we will look to go for a bunch finish there.”