Today’s 195 kilometer long first stage of the Dutch weekend stage race World Ports Classic from Rotterdam to Antwerpen was concluded in a bunch sprint where Andrea Guardini (Astana) took the win. CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Michael Carbel finished 11th.
 

A complete flat stretch between Rotterdam to Antwerpen formed the scenery as a perfect opportunity for the many sprinters in the peloton. There was never any doubt about the turn of events in the finale where Astana’s Guardini was the fastest while young CULT Energy Dane, Michael Carbel had to settle with a position just outside the top-10.

DS Luke Roberts says:

“Today’s stage was dominated by a strong tailwind favoring the peloton. However, the course took a sudden turn leading the pack into a fierce crosswind, which exploded the field. We had Michael Carbel and Alex Kirsch in the first group across the finish line and Alex supported Michael well, shielding him from the wind. Tomorrow, we can expect less wind but it’ll be crosswind all day and I think the pack will split out there but the way Michael is riding I assume that he’ll be in the first group across the finish line again tomorrow.”