News – Luke Rowe in the Mix at Wevelgem

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Welsh rider Luke Rowe was tantalising close to make the winning move in Gent Wevelgem on Sunday

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News – Luke Rowe in the Mix at Wevelgem

This years Gent Wevelgem was a race of attrition leaving a strong selection at the front including Luke Rowe. Crucially, When Sagan and Cancellera went on the 28% slopes of the Kemmelberg, Rowe was only a few lengths adrift but try as he and some powerful fellow pros tried to bridge that gap, the power and speed of Sagan and Cancellera was too much and the leading four that went on to contest the victory were never caught.

Not even the might of Etixx Quickstep could bring them back and the race saw Peter Sagan seal his first victory in the world champion’s jersey.

Rowe had jumped clear of many a favourite with Zdenek Stybar (Etixx – Quick-Step) and Greg van Avermaet (BMC Racing) on the final ascent of the Kemmelberg, but the trio were unable to bridge to the move.

Rowe told TeamSky.com: “I thought I was there at one point. There were six of us away and we’d done the hard work getting the gap on the Kemmelberg. Greg let a few bike lengths go and then Zdenek wouldn’t chase because he had his team-mate Fernando Gaviria behind, so that was that for us. It’s a bit frustrating to be honest.”

“The race was blown to bits after 60km but Danny and Michal did a great job for me. Michal was yo-yoing off the back for a while, but every time he came back he helped get me in position, so I take my hat off to him”.

“There are a lot of positives to take from today. My legs felt good, even after 240km. I attacked a few more times at the end to try and bridge the gap to the leaders, and that’s why I dropped a few seconds on the rest of the group as they sprinted for fifth.

“Now I want to hold my condition during the Three Days of De Panne to ensure I’m 100% for the Tour of Flanders next Sunday.”

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