The expected classic race scenario with an early breakaway and a bunch sprint came true at the GP Marcel Kint (1.1, 20/08) this Friday. Five riders escaped from the peloton at the start and lead the race until the final 10 kilometer. The double passages on the Kluisberg, Tiegemberg and the cobbles of the Varentstraat didn’t cause uproar in the peloton. Just like the other teams, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert formed its sprint train on the two local laps of 23 kilometer between Zwevegem and Kortrijk. The small roads with many corners caused nervousness and crashes. Boy van Poppel was a victim of one of these crashes with 2 kilometer to go. His younger brother, Danny, avoided trouble and sprinted to 3rd in the Moeskroenstraat at the end of the race of 196 kilometer behind José Alvaro Hodeg and Tim Merlier.
My results don't lie, I'm feeling really well since the Tour de France. But I'm not completely happy with this 3rd place. I came through the last corner 2-3 meter behind Hodeg and Merlier. If I could have taken this turn better, I could have finished next to those two and battle for the win. But of course it is not a shame to be defeated by Hodeg and Merlier. It was also already an achievement to be in that position after this nervous final. I want to continue my success the next couple of weeks!
