One of the most active riders in the peloton this spring, CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Alex Kirsch once again hit the long-lasting breakaway during today’s second and final stage of World Ports Classic covering 164 kilometers in flat terrain between Antwerp and Rotterdam. What started as a hopeful stage for CULT Energy Pro Cycling ended quite unfortunate.

Kirsch shared the breakaway duties with five other riders in front of the race and going under the 20 kilometer to go banner, the gap was down to around 45 seconds. With a herd of sprinter teams chasing on the front of the peloton, the odds were pretty much against the front group.

On the final 10 kilometers, the breakaway split up and Alex Kirsch dropped back to the pack where CULT Energy Pro Cycling now went to the front of the pack to catch the last standing escapee and set things up for Michael Carbel.

With four kilometers remaining, the Danish team succeeded and a bunch sprint was coming up. However, a terrible crash marred the finale and CULT Energy Pro Cycling had no riders in the first group of 16 riders going across the finish line.

Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Soudal) took the stage win and conquered the leader’s jersey as well. Unfortunately, CULT Energy Pro Cycling sprinter, Michael Carbel went down in the crash.

“Everything was going well for us. Alex had swept up a few bonus seconds and was the overall top-10 if only he finished in the bunch. At the same time, Michael Carbel was in a good position for the sprint but then bad luck struck. The crash happened just outside the 3 kilometer banner and Alex’ overall position was gone. Michael hit the deck pretty hard and he lost a lot of skin but nothing’s broken and he should be ready for Tour de Fjords later next week,” said DS Luke Roberts after the stage.