Mark Cavendish (Etixx-QuickStep) won the Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne ahead of Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Elia Viviani (Team Sky). Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had Kristian Sbaragli sprint his way into the top 10 by placing 8th on the line.
It was another impressive display on the Belgian roads by Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung at the Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne today. After the early 8 rider break was nullified with around 70km to go, a number of surges and attacks saw a dangerous 19 rider group ride clear of the peloton by over a minute.
With 5 Etixx-QuickStep riders in the move, including their two captains Cavendish and Tom Boonen, most people thought that was the race winning move. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had other ideas though as the African team took control of the peloton and in a powerful display of riding, reeled in the group of favourites.
After such a mammoth effort, setting up for the sprint was the task which still lay ahead. Etixx-QuickStep, Katusha and Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung were the most prominent trains coming into the final as they all looked to position their sprinters. In the end it was Etixx-QuickStep who came out on top.
Kristian Sbaragli ended the day off well with a fine top 10 place for our African team. While a place on the podium was the initial goal, MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung can be proud of its efforts as it announced itself as a genuine classics contending squad after today’s strong performance.
Kristian Sbaragli – Rider
J.P. Heynderickx – Sport Director
