Like expected, Milano-Torino (1.Pro, 5/08) made the sprinters happy. The Lombardian semi-classic has chosen for a course flat like a pool table, from the fashion capital to the foot of the Alps.A six men rider breakaway was controlled all day by the peloton. The very fast en nervous final 10 kilometers were characterized by a massive crash, including Timothy Dupont. Luckily our sprinter finished without heavy injuries. At the front, Boy and Danny van Poppel remained attentive. In the end, Danny finished 5th in the bunch sprint won by Arnaud Démare.
Danny van Poppel:
« This 5th place is satisfying. It was a long time since I wasn’t in the mix with the best sprinters anymore. I was able to deliver this performance today, thanks to the ungoing confidence of the team. I was a little nervous, but my teammates worked really well. Also my brother Boy showed during the final kilometers what he does best: bring me into a perfect position. »
« It’s only my second day in Italy, so the heat was difficult to manage. But I expect to acclimatize better during the next days and to be ready for Milan-San Remo. Of course, the course will be a different kettle of fish. I’ll give my all to survive the Poggio, and then everything is possible! »
Milano-Torino:
1.Arnaud Démare
2.Caleb Ewan
3.Wout Van Aert
5.Danny van Poppel
18.Pieter Vanspeybrouck
31.Boy van Poppel +0:22
101.Jasper De Plus +1:27
107.Alfdan De Decker
130.Jan Bakelants +3:04
142.Timothy Dupont +6:59
