Team News – Vattenfall Cyclassics

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Big win at home for André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) as triumphs at the Vattenfall Cyclassics

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Team News – Vattenfall Cyclassics

Team Press Release

In this the 20th edition of the Vattenfall Cyclassics, the start was given in Kiel with 221.3 kilometres ahead of the riders.

They had to climb the Waseberg three times in the final 70 kilometres and in the early break were Barta, Bono, Mortensen and Alex Dowsett. At about 40 kilometres from the finish they were caught and after that there was a steady stream of escape attempts. The final ascent of the Waseberg was especially active as rider after rider tried to get away to avoid the expected bunch sprint.

But no one was able to make a big gap and in the bunch kick, Tour de France hero André Greipel was the best after ahead of Kristoff finished second, Nizzolo third. It’s already the fifteenth victory for the Gorilla this season and is still in a great shape just like during the Tour de France.

It’s his first win in the Vattenfall Cyclassics, the only WorldTour race in his homeland.

André Greipel: “We already tried it a few times to win this race, I’m so glad it finally worked out. Although, the race didn’t start so well. I crashed in the beginning of the stage. I wanted to take a sanitary stop, but a guy behind me didn’t see me and hit me in the back. It was without speed, but still painful. Also Greg, Jens and Jürgen hit the ground. For the finale we were four guys down. But I could still rely on Lars Bak, Tiesj Benoot and Marcel Sieberg.”

“As usual it all came down to the last ascent of the Waseberg, that’s crucial for the difference between winning and losing. We controlled as much as we could and all maintained a good position on the climb. Before the sprint I talked to my teammates, it was really important to be in a good position with three kilometres to go. I trusted them to help me. Sibi put me on the wheel of Kristoff and I was happy to have the legs to pass him by. This is the first time I won a one-day WorldTour race, so this is really special. Certainly because it’s in my home country. I won’t compare it to winning a Tour stage for example, I’m just very proud I could win this race.”

Second for Kristoff

Alexander Kristoff was the runner-up. “Of course I am a little disappointed as I just missed half a wheel, and also as the team did such a wonderful job and made a good lead out. If there would have been more head wind, I could have won, but that is not so important. Greipel was strong the whole summer and we’ve seen him beat me more often this year.”

“Jacopo Guarnieri took over from Marco Haller at 600-700 meters from the finish. It was crazy fast and at 200 meters it was up to me. I had good legs and went faster and faster. But at 50-60 meters from the finish Greipel passed me. I tried to not let him pass but he was faster. In the end it was just him and me and no one else and I missed half a metre. Next week in Plouay, on a harder circuit, we will try again, – said Alexander Kristoff.

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