Peter Sagan finished the 2014 edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen in 16th place, at 1'25" from the winner Fabian Cancellara. The race for the Cannondale Pro Cycling team leader, as well as the performance of his teammates, was as planned until the last ride on the Oude Kwaremont, the hardest moment of the his race.

 

After the disappointment of the finish, Peter Sagan commented on the Ronde van Vlaanderen with amore relaxed perspective and also with the smile.

 

"It's never easy to comment on a disappointing result and there aren't many words to say right now. I did not perform as I wanted in a key moment of the race. When Cancellara and Vanmarcke attacked on the Oude Kwaremont I wasn't not able to push hard enough to follow them. I've lost the right moment, simply no other reasons.

 

"Besides this, there was no cooperation in the group to close the gap. I think many riders felt like me; it was a tough race as always. Congrats to Cancellara and to the others who finished on the podium. But first of all to my teammates, who worked hard for me"

 

"There will be time to analyze the race later, but no drama now. This is not a good result, of course, but there's always something to learn. I'll put this experience in my pocket. Maybe it was just an off day - If I had ridden yesterday, for sure I was able to win" said Sagan with a laugh.

 

From team side, team director Mario Scirea explained:

 

"We have to accept the result and admit this is not what we expected. We always look and analyze the performance, even after a win. This time we have a reason more to go in deep, but this was not the end of the world.

 

"Until the last ride on the Oude Kwaremont we were in the game and the situation was pretty good. When Cancellara and Vanmarcke took advantage and Peter wasn't able to follow, I think the morale aspect played a key role. We had positive aspects, like the attitude of the team and Peter's in a tough race, we also had disappointing aspects, like the management of the finale. We'll think about how to improve".