GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE DE QUÉBEC
The team were in action today at GP Québec for the first of two races in Canada. Faced with the traditional rolling circuit, accumulating over 2400 metres of elevation gain throughout the 200 kilometre route, it would be a testing day in the saddle.
A break of six managed to escape early into the day and quickly built up a lead of over seven minutes. The team came to the front of the bunch and started to set tempo, along with a few other squads, looking after the interests of defending champion Michael Matthews.
After some good teamwork and pace setting throughout the afternoon, the race was all back together with 25 kilometres and two laps to go. The speed in the bunch only increased as the peloton charged towards the line, with Marc Hirschi and Jai Hindley riding strongly at the front to close down numerous attacks.
On the last lap the pace remained high, with the peloton strung out as they approached the closing kilometres. A dangerous group broke clear of the bunch over the top of the penultimate climb but the race would come back together inside the last kilometre. Matthews bided his time well, waiting for the perfect moment to launch what was a devastating kick to the line on his Cervélo S5, winning his second GP Québec title in a dominant manner.
“I’m still speechless,” beamed Matthews at the finish. “To do the double here in Québec after an amazing race from the whole team; it’s just incredible. The guys worked hard for me all day so I just dug deep at the end for them and I’m happy I could finish it off. I have no words but to thank my team, my wife and my coaches for all the support.”
Team Sunweb coach Michiel Elijzen added: “It was a great team effort today by the guys. They took responsibility and showed that we wanted to defend the title by riding on the front for most of the race. Everything went well, although final was little bit hectic, but Michael managed to win with a great sprint in the finale. It’s a well deserved win that really boosts morale in the team and motivates us for Sunday’s race.”
RESULTS
Pos. Rider Team Time Points
1 MATTHEWS Michael Team Sunweb 5:13:01 500
2 SAGAN Peter BORA – hansgrohe ,, 400
3 VAN AVERMAET Greg CCC Team ,, 32
