#RVV2018 - TOUR DES FLANDERS | Overview

"MIKE TEUNISSEN TOOK A TOP 20 FOR TEAM SUNWEB AT RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN TODAY, DESPITE SUFFERING VARIOUS SPOTS OF BAD LUCK BEING CAUGHT UP BEHIND CRASHES AS THE RACE HEADED TOWARDS IT’S FINAL.

The 102nd edition of Ronde van Vlaanderen got underway today, with 265 kilometres to contest between Antwerpen and Oudenaarde. As soon as the flag dropped multiple groups of riders went on the attack, but no rider could open up a gap over the peloton. It wasn’t until 70 kilometres had been covered that a group of 11 riders went clear with the peloton eventually easing up behind them. The group quickly opened up a five minute gap, staying together until the Kapelmuur where only the strongest went forward.

Accelerations on the hellingen scattered across the pointy end of the race reduced the peloton significantly, and Team Sunweb remained with Mike Teuinssen and Søren Kragh Andersen in the first chasing group behind the break. The break were eventually reeled in as attacks from the chasing group went forward. As the finish line edged closer one rider managed to snap the elastic, jumping clear of the chasing group. The injection of pace once again split the chase, with Mike Teunissen first on the road for Team Sunweb inside the second chase group. Whilst the late-attacker rode solo to take the win, Mike finished the day inside the top 20." - Team Sunweb Website

 

"TEAM SUNWEB LINED UP AS DEFENDING CHAMPIONS AT THE WOMEN’S EDITION OF RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN TODAY, WITH A VARIETY OF CARDS TO PLAY HAVING TWO PREVIOUS WINNERS IN THEIR RANKS.

Throughout the early parts of the race, various groups of riders tried their luck on the attack, with some groups opening up 30 second gaps over the peloton. As the kilometres ticked down, the peloton continued to reduce and Team Sunweb still had numbers in the first group. A large crash just before the riders entered Geraardsbergen saw only 20 riders go forward, with Coryn, Ellen, Leah and Floortje eventually coming together in the leading group. As the bunch crested the Kruisberg, 12 riders, with Ellen van Dijk, opened up a gap. A solo attack from the leading group came with 27 kilometres to go which would ultimately make it to the finish to take the win. Ellen finished the day in 7th place, with Floortje rolling home in 14th." - Team Sunweb Website

 

References:

Team Info and quotes...

http://teamsunweb.com/news/

Rankings/Race Info...

http://www.uci.ch/road/