Tinkoff-Saxo were not content with a bunch sprint in yesterday's GP Isbergues. The team tried to attack in the finale but was unable to prevent Arnaud Demare from winning the race.

In the shadow of the team time trial World Championships, a Tinkoff-Saxo delegation took part of the Belgian and 200 kilometer long one-day race, GP d’Isbergues, which ended in a bunch sprint.

A breakaway of 8 riders dominated the race but as the course took its toll on the front group, the escapees started to drop off one by one as the pace went up. The field caught the remaining two escapees with 10 kilometers to go and even though numerous counter-attacks from among others Tinkoff-Saxo threatened to take it all, they all ended up being fruitless.

The race was decided in a frantic bunch sprint where Arnaud Demare (FDJ) took his second consecutive win in this race.

DS Bruno Cenghialta states:

“Just like yesterday, it was a very nervous race and after a few kilometers, a breakaway of 9 riders quickly took 3 minutes on the field. Unfortunately,  none of our guys were in the mix. We were just staying behind the FDJ team and they managed to reel the escapes back in. With 4 kilometers to go, Trusov launched an attack with Sebastian Hinault but they were caught entering the final kilometer.”

For Tinkoff-Saxo’s Jesper Hansen, the race ended before the finish line:

“Unfortunately, I had a crash before hitting the small local circuit. I got back up on the bike to continue but the pain just grew as the race progressed and I had to forfeit when we entered the first lap of the circuit. It’s not a long-term injury but it kept me from pedaling. I assume, I’ll be back on the bike tomorrow,” said Hansen.