Team News: Van Poppel wins stage 1 in Burgos

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Danny van Poppel (Sky) bounced back from a crash on stage one of the Vuelta a Burgos to win the bunch sprint ahead of Jempy Drucker (BMC)

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Team News: Van Poppel wins stage 1 in Burgos

Danny van Poppel (Sky) bounced back from a crash on stage one of the Vuelta a Burgos to win the bunch sprint ahead of Jempy Drucker (BMC). The Dutchman positioned himself brilliantly for the tight final turn and then rounded Jean-Pierre Drucker (BMC Racing) a hundred metres from the line to win ahead of Drucker and Gianni Meersman (Etixx – Quick-Step).

Van Poppel’s skinsuit was torn in several places after his earlier crash but he didn’t seem fazed as the pace increased in the final kilometres, and he timed his effort to perfection.

Speaking to TeamSky.com he said “We were riding at the front and I needed a nature break, so I rode back with Christian [Knees] and he gave me some new bottles. I took them and had my hands on my handlebars, not on the brakes, and then when I looked up everyone was standing still! I tried to grab my brakes but it was too late. I crashed and landed on my back. I hurt myself, but I was fine, and I really wanted to go for the win”.

“The team dropped me off really well, but as a rider you know if there’s a finish on a corner it can be really dangerous and chaotic. We lost each other a little bit, but I knew I had to be in the front for the turn. After that I was third wheel, and when we passed the 200m to go sign I went full gas.

“It’s possible to keep the lead tomorrow [during the team time trial] because we have a strong team, but I am not here for the GC. We’ve got other guys in the team for that, but there are more sprint stages – I’m really looking forward to them!”  .. continued after advert

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Jempy Drucker (2nd): “The whole stage was pretty easy which made the final kilometers so much more hectic because everyone was fresh and wanted to do a good sprint. Luckily the guys put me into a good position and then at the end I followed Daniel Oss, who did a great lead out, until the last corner. I knew it was a bit too early and too far from the finish line but I just started my sprint after the corner and went full gas to the line. Unfortunately, Van Poppel was still passing me just before the finish line.”

“The Prudential RideLondon Classic was a good race and gave me confidence going into Vuelta a Burgos, and now finishing second today shows that my recovery was good because Sunday was a pretty tough day. My shape is good and I’m looking forward to the next stages here.”

Gianni Meersman (Etixx Quickstep) “It was very hectic today in the last 15 kilometers and we tried to stay in the upper part of the pack. With 700 meters to go, Yves brought me at the front and we got to enter first and second in the corner that came in the final 400 meters.”

“Unfortunately, we were in the wind, and I lost a little bit there, so I had to do a long sprint. Still, to finish third on the opening day is a solid result and comes as confirmation of my good legs. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the guys, who worked really hard for me and to whom I must thank.”

1. Danny Van Poppel,Team Sky 3:32:04
2. Jean-Pierre Drucker, BMC Racing Team
3. Gianni Meersman, Etixx – Quick-Step
4. Wouter Wippert, Cannondale-Drapac
5. Steele Von Hoff, ONE Pro

57. Alex Dowsett, Movistar Team
60. Yanto Barker, ONE Pro
104. Karol Domagalski, ONE Pro
109. Peter Kennaugh, Team Sky
120. Adam Blythe, Tinkoff Team
136. Simon Yates, Orica-BikeExchange
151. Hugh Carthy, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA

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