Ian Stannard gave Sky the first classic win in team history today. After a gripping finale, the Briton prevailed over his escape companion Greg van Avermaet (BMC). Third place went to Stannard's teammate Edvald Boasson Hagen, who led the pursuers to the finish.
As every year, the race heralded the classic season this time, albeit with less joyful sounds than you might be used to. Before the drivers were sent on their way from Ghent at half past ten, they commemorated the Belgian Kristof Goddaert, who died tragically a few days ago, with a minute's silence.
After that, the race started hectic. After almost thirty kilometers, however, a leading group of eight managed to break away from the field. This also included Andreas Schillinger (NetApp-Endura) from the Upper Palatinate. The group opened up a maximum lead of almost four minutes, while the Omega Pharma-QuickStep team around Belgian classic star Tom Boonen controlled the pace in the field.
After almost 150 kilometers of racing, the escape was over and the cards were reshuffled. At the Leberg, almost 40 kilometers from the finish in Gent, Van Avermaet upped the ante. He was able to do one together with Boasson Hagen, Lars Boom (Belkin), Yoann Offredo, Arnaud Démare (both FDJ.fr), Nikki Tepstra (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), Egoitz Garcia (Cofidis) and Kenneth van Bilsen (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise). drive out a small lead onto the splintered field.
A few kilometers later, Terpstra and Boom tried to bring about a preliminary decision on the Molenberg. Only Boasson Hagen, Van Bilsen and Démare were able to keep up with the duo. However, it wasn't long before Terpstra and Boasson Hagen were alone at the front. But instead of working together, both attacked each other and were eventually caught by the pursuers. These included Stannard and Van Avermaet.
Shortly after the merger, the Brit accelerated. He managed, together with Van Avermaet, to keep the remaining competitors at bay. Although Sep Vanmarcke (Belkin), Terpstra and Boasson Hagen tried to catch up again, they didn't succeed.
On the home stretch in Ghent, Stannard surprised his escape companion with an early start. Ultimately, Van Avermaet had nothing to oppose.
Tom Boonen, who had previously been traded as a big favourite, had nothing to do with the outcome of the race.
Result
1. Ian Stannard (Sky) 4:49:55
2. Greg van Avermaet (BMC) 0:00:00
3. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) 0:00:24
4 Sep Vanmarcke (Belkin) 0:00:24
5. Niki Terpstra (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) 0:00:24
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