Cycling: Yesterday Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) won the German classic Eschborn-Frankfurt. He also left Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors) and Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe) behind. But why were these two top sprinters ultimately unable to take part in the fight for victory? A short video analysis shows us.
Both were in a promising position
With the oldest German one-day race Eschborn-Frankfurt the first part of the classics ended yesterday. Like last year, the prestigious race was won by Alexander Kristoff. Since everything came together again in the last few kilometers and a group of only around 30 men sprinted, the two top sprinters also hoped for each other Fernando Gaviria and Sam Bennett a success. But that didn't happen, although both were in a promising position with 500 meters to go. Then, however, there was a serious mistake - and that after more than 200 kilometers driven so close to the finish.
Gaviria steers and Bennett follows
In the video we recognize Gaviria 21:25 in second position and Bennett is not far behind. After a left turn, the Colombian is at the front. He's already pushing the sprint. Bennett goes to his rear wheel. Another left turn follows on the home straight. When the camera pans again, we suddenly see Gaviria driving slowly and Bennett also seems to have lost his step. The reason: both got lost in the left turn. Gaviria had followed a motorcycle that was going straight ahead while Bennett just followed the man in front. You can see the error in the person of Bennett at 21:46. The Irishman doesn't know where to go for a second or two. Although he takes the lead again with a show of strength, he no longer has a chance in the sprint. Gaviria proposes 21:58 angry at his driver and gives up the fight completely.
When two get lost, the third is happy
The 23:37 we just see Gaviria explaining his mistake and being comforted by a teammate. He had previously done the speed work for many kilometers in order to catch up with the escapees. After 212,5 kilometers, this end of the race is of course particularly bitter, as the last section of the route has already been ridden twice before. Actually, the pros should have known that there was a left turn before the finish line. Gaviria probably misjudged the situation anyway and classified the penultimate corner as the last corner, because even if the Colombian had actually gotten the last corner perfectly, he would definitely have been in the wind much too early. Alexander Kristoff was once again able to celebrate his victory at Eschborn-Frankfurt. Here he is now the sole record holder with four successes. Fernando Gaviria will definitely come back and then remember the last corners a little better.
Sam Bennett:
“I was behind Gaviria. In front of him was a motorcycle that turned right at the last bend. Gaviria drove behind and followed him. I had to slam on the brakes and just thought: crap, it's going to the left. You should have known as we have ridden it twice before. But there were so many corners and when you're at the limit you just follow the man in front.”