Matt Brammeier solo’s to victory on final stage of Ster ZLM Toer

The final stage of the Ster ZLM Toer would bring great joy to the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung camp as Matt Brammeier soloed to an emphatic stage victory!

After the original 8 rider break of the day was reeled in with still 35km’s left to race, a number of attacks could be expected over the closing kilometers of the Dutch tour. A few unsuccessful attempts were made initially but then when our ‘ever the opportunist’ Irishman gave the open road a bash with around 14km to go, he quickly built up a 30″ lead. With 10km to go, Matt had 40″ over the main bunch and still had plenty left in his tank.

The peloton’s hesitancy to start the chase played perfectly into Matt’s favour as he continued to power away and increase his lead with each passing kilometer. Going under the 3km to go banner, Matt had a full minute on the main field. Lotto-Soudal did what they could by leading the charge behind but Matt’s craftiness and strength had paid off as he crossed the line solo to take our African teams 9th victory of the year. Outside of his national titles, it was also Matt’s first professional victory.

Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) brought the bunch across line 25″ after Matt, followed by his teammate Greg Henderson in 3rd. 2nd place on the stage was enough to ensure Greipel won the the Ster ZLM Toer overall.