Today Peter Sagan continued to enjoy his great form, taking the first stage of the Three Days of De Panne from Middelkerke to Zottegem. The Slovak champion claimed his seventh win of the season by beating the French rider Demare (Lampre-Merida) in a small bunch sprint.

“Today’s win is more by chance than an objective,” said Sagan. “The strategy for the stage was to let my teammates find a good break and make their own race. My personal goal was to be in the front and avoid risks. The group didn’t let any riders go so in the final I tried to escape and see what could happen. When the advantage was enough, I left the responsibility to lead to the other riders. Of course I like to win and if there’s the chance to take one, I’ll do it. The final sprint? The last bend turned to the left and it’s normal to move a little to the right. I didn’t change my direction on purpose to close off Demare.”

“The stage was also good as I look ahead to the Tour of Flanders. We’ll see tomorrow how the stage will be. I hope for an easy day because I don’t want to spend too much energy. I still feel good and my intention is to round off my form to be at the top on Sunday. The only thing I can’t train is luck,” concluded Sagan.