Cycling: Pascal Ackermann (Bora – hansgrohe) won the Clásica de Almería for the first time. The German champion was able to prevail in the Spanish provinces ahead of compatriot Marcel Kittel (Katusha – Alpecin). In the sprint of a larger group, the German duo gave the competition no chance. Much to the chagrin of Mitchelton - Scott. The Australian team did most of the work in the peloton.
The Clásica de Almería is a matter for the sprinters
At the end of February, the Clásica de Almería is held annually in the Spanish province. Some of the world's best sprinters compete here at the beginning of the season. Well-known professionals, like Michael Matthews 2012 Sam Bennett 2014 and Mark Cavendish 2015 were already allowed to enter the list of winners here. Last year's winner Caleb ewan was not at the start with his new team Lotto - Soudal 2019. The Australian was therefore unable to defend his title. But this did not detract from the quality of the race. The course led the field from Almería to Roquetas de Mar over 192,5 kilometers. After the climbs at the beginning and in the middle section, the last 95 kilometers run downhill along the Costa de Almeria to the finish, where two more final laps had to be completed.
Pascal Ackermann in front of Marcel Kittel
A split in the peloton made for a preliminary decision long before the last few kilometers. The Mitchelton team in particular – Scott kept the pace up to prevent a merger. It was successful, but all the work of the Australian team didn't pay off in the end. captain Port of Mezgec (Mitchelton – Scott) put his nose into the wind too early and was impressively left standing by the German sprint stars. Pascal Ackermann (Bora - hansgrohe) came and also left Marcel Kittel (Katusha – Alpecin) no longer overtake – even if it was extremely close. But the slight right turn benefited the German champion. This means that alongside John Degenkolb (Trek – Segafredo), who is the Final stage of the Tour de la Provence was able to win, Pascal Ackermann also celebrated his first win of the season today.
#ClassicaAlmeria – ¡Victoria de Pascal Ackermann! El campeón alemán de BORA-hangrohe se impone a su compatriota Kittel ya Luka Mezgec, al que lanzó Trentin, y no al revés. @BarberoCbc 4° and @jjrojillas 5° pic.twitter.com/2Isj0PvFGO
— Alpe d'Huez B&T (@Alpe__dHuez) February 17rd 2019