Team News: Not to be for Stannard at Het Nieuwsblad

Twice a winner of Het Nieuwsblad, Ian Stannard of Team Sky too eager early on in season opener

Team News: Not to be for Stannard at Het Nieuwsblad

Whilst it was Dylan van Baarle who was first across the line for Team Sky at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, finishing 14th, for Britain’s double winner of the race, Ian Stannard it wasn’t to be after an over eager early effort in the race.

Pic: Getty Images

Ian Stannard forced his way into two groups as the race began to take shape and alongside teammate, Chris Lawless he bridged across to a group of attackers on the Leberg climb, forming part of a dangerous looking lead group. Yet the move could not build a stable gap and were caught with 64km to go. Undeterred, Stannard was able rise to the fore after the Molenberg, as the cobbled climb forced a major selection. With the race coming back together once more, Owain Doull and Van Baarle buried themselves in a bid to pull back the move containing Stybar and the lead contenders. The tantalising gap could not be hauled back, leaving Stybar to take his winning opportunity.

Ian Stannard: “I felt good on the bike and the team rode really well today. I just got a bit carried away a bit too early really. That kind of cost me in the final but there are a lot of positives to take away from it. I felt good out there and I’m really happy with where I’m at. I just need to calm down in the race a bit and wait for the final. There are still quite a few weeks ahead to the next group of races so I’ll get back to training and I’ll look to push on.”