In only the second professional win of his career, Anton Vorobyev earned the top spot on the podium in Friday’s opening prologue at the 3-day Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen. As the only rider to break the 8-minute mark, Vorobyev used his strong time trial skills on the 7 km course in Middelkerke to go clear at a time of 7:57. With the win Vorobyev took the first leader’s jersey as well.

"Of course, I am very happy with this victory," he said. "I was very motivated, because I was able to achieve good form and I wanted very much to get a result. I knew this route because I’ve ridden it previously. In the morning I had a chance to see the route again and to understand how to ride it, how to divide the power on the distance. In the first part it was a strong headwind, so it was important to pass it with a good speed. Normally, I like long time trials, but I worked hard to improve my abilities in short distances, because I know I have to ride both long and short TTs.

"I knew I was in good shape but I did not expect this. I have the 3rd best time ever on this course? That's great, I did not know that. This proves that I was on a beautiful day. In this time trial, I have not held anything back. I immediately gave everything from the first meters. I am happy because my preparation was excellent during the winter after I had a lot of injuries in recent seasons. 
 

"Now, I am the leader in GC and I am motivated for fighting in this race until the end. We have a very strong team here in Belgium and all of the guys are really motivated to support me and to help me in next two days. We will see what will happens, but I am sure for 100% we will do our best."

"I'm pretty sure we'll be able to control the race because we come with a good team. Now it is obviously necessary to remain attentive to the teams Etixx-Quick Step and Trek Factory Racing."

"I am really happy with Anton’s performance. He did a very good and smart race. This prologue is traditional in this race, so we knew the route more or less. We had time to check the route in the morning. We decided to put Anton in the beginning and it was a good decision. Here in the race there are a number of very strong riders, so it is a pleasure that Anton beat them to take this victory. This is the first Russian victory for our team in 2015, so we all are happy today. In the next days we will have really hard stages with the climbs and cobbles of the Flanders roads, but our team will do everything possible to protect Anton and to fight for the best possible result," said Katusha sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.

Anton Vorobyev, 24, is the 2014 Russian ITT champion, former U23 World champion (2012) and a member of the Russian National Team. He came to Katusha from the continental team ITERA-Katusha in 2013.

Joining Anton Vorobyev on the podium were Jesse Sergent (Trek Factory Racing) at 8.01 and Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r).