To score on home soil. That was the goal of Roompot Orange Peloton in the World Ports Classic. The two days between Rotterdam and Antwerp did not produce the desired results. A 5th place Dylan Groenewegen in Antwerp was the best result. A crash in the finale of the final stage destroyed the planning for team leader Michael Boogerd. "I am really sorry that we could not put Raymond Kreder in contention due to," said Boogerd. "Our train was just beginning to get a bit of steam."
The opening stage in the "race of the wind" between the two port cities was dominated by a long break. Wesley Kreder was there and gathered the necessary bonus seconds. With the wind in their back and with an average speed above 47 kilometers per hour, a bunch sprint was inevitable. Behind Italian winner Guardini (Astana) Dylan Groenewegen narrowly missed the podium.
The Amsterdam sprinter regretted the missed opportunity. "I'd rather win and I can not be satisfied with a 5th place hre. Especially because I was well delivered by the train that we set up three kilometers before the finish. Unfortunately, I was boxed in and could not finish on the podium. It's a shame because there's nothing wrong with my speed. "
On Sunday, Raymond Kreder was give the task of finishing the job off in the ride back to Rotterdam. Unfortunately, that plan came to nothing.
A fall in the front row of the pack split the group that had gathered around Kreder. The gap of 100 meters separated the first 15 riders from the rest. Kris Boeckmans was the fastest and also won the overall.
"Fortunately, a large number of our riders will have new opportunities from Wednesday," Michael Boogerd said. "In the race, I have seen things that need to be improved, but there are also plenty of good developments. Hopefully it falls into place in the Baloise Belgium Tour."
Matic VEBER 28 years | today |
Inez BEIJER 29 years | today |
Anthony SAUX 33 years | today |
Sivianny ROJAS 36 years | today |
Christophe PREMONT 35 years | today |
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