Team NetApp-Endura lined up at the Driedaagse van De Panne with big ambitions for Jan Barta in the overall standings but after the team completely missed the split in today's stage, those plans have now been dashed. Instead, the team will try to take a top result in tomorrow's time trial with their Czech ace.

 

Today the second stage of the short Belgian tour covered 206 kilometers from Zottegem to Koksijde. Italian Sacha Modolo (Lampre – Merida) prevailed in the sprint by a larger group. Arnaud Demare (FDJ) and Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) came in second and third. Jan Barta finished with the pursuing group and had to accept coming in more than three minutes behind the winner.

 

“Of course we aren’t satisfied at all that we missed the attack that would decide the outcome of the race. As a team we need to analyze what happened. I guess we weren’t correctly positioned on the mountains. After today we can write off our goal of finishing in the top 10 in the general classification. We are going to focus now on tomorrow’s individual time trial and hope that we can get a good result there with Jan,” Enrico Poitschke said after the race.

 

After many attacks at the start of the race, seven riders separated from the peloton. The field allowed the breakaway group a maximum lead of over seven minutes. On the section with four hills in rapid succession, a large group of favorites dramatically picked up the pace around 90 km before the finish line. Roughly 25 riders were able to make a break and join the leaders 60 km before the finish. Unfortunately, none of the riders for Team NetApp – Endura could follow the attacks. All attempts by the bunch to catch up to the large lead group were unsuccessful, which meant that they were unable to have an impact in deciding the day’s victory.

 

Tomorrow the final day of the race is divided into two parts. In the morning a short stage will be held, which will cover 110 km with a slightly ascending final stretch. The afternoon features an individual 14.3 km time trial, which will decide the outcome of the general classification.

 

Starting at 10.15 and 14.25 CEST respectively you can follow tomorrow's first two stageson CyclingQuotes.com/live. You can read our preview here.