Six riders rode their first competition kilometers of the season in the GP de La Marseillaise (1.1, 30/01) this Sunday. It was a strongly reduced peloton which sprinted for the victory of the traditional French opening classic in the heart of the coastal city and Georg Zimmermann took seventh place.
Behind the early breakaway, counter attackers started the chase on the Route des Crêtes, one of three climbs in the final 50 kilometer. But despite multiple attempts also on the Pas d’Ouiller and the Col de la Gineste it was a group of forty riders heading towards the centre of Marseille to sprint for the victory. Georg Zimmermann was well positioned and in the mix for the podium, until he was boxed in just before the line and had to stop his effort. The 24 year old, who recently extended his contract with the Belgian team, concluded his first race of the season with a top ten.
During the whole race I could rely on my teammates to position me well going to the climbs. The good feeling I had in training was confirmed, so I started the final in good conditions. I was perfectly positioned for the sprint, but I was boxed in in the final twenty meters. The winner passed us on the right and there was not enough space to follow his slipstream. It is of course a pity that I had to stop sprinting, because in this way three riders could pass me. However, a seventh place is a good start. There are a lot more opportunities to come this season, for me the next one will be the Etoile de Bessèges!
