A three-man breakaway surprised the peloton during the first day of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya today in Spain. Maciej Paterski (CCC Polkowice Sprandi), Bart De Clercq (Lotto-Soudal) and Pierre Rolland (Europcar) reached the line in Calella with a 2-40 minute lead. Paterski won the sprint and claimed the first leader’s jersey.
 
Sports Director Frans Maassen drove team car number one and had a good view of what happened inside the peloton.
 
“With Martijn Keizer and Timo Roosen, we tried hard to get in the break. Martijn managed to create a gap with some others on three occasions, but just after final attempt, the decisive breakaway was formed,” Maassen said.
 
“Timo tried hard, as well, perhaps too hard, but that’s his inexperience. He’s still learning and these kind of things help.”
 
The peloton wasn’t able to reel in the attack, which upset Maassen. “The race radio was constantly saying that the gap was six minutes, but all of a sudden it was 13 minutes. Then it was too late.”
 

Maassen is wondering what kind of consequences the new overall situation will have for the racing.
 
“Maybe the rest of the peloton has to settle for a fourth place now, but the three leaders will be looking at each other, as well. Normally Sky or Movistar would keep the pack in check this week, now it’s up to CCC, Europcar and Lotto-Soudal. Those are different kind of teams. It will be interesting to see what’s going to happen.”
 

Tomorrow should be exciting, as well, for followers. “There’s a treacherous third category climb in the final. We’ll see a great battle. A puncher has a good chance of winning this finish, but a break could be dangerous too.”