Geraint Thomas has won the E3 Harelbeke. The Briton rode away from a leading group of three, including our Styby and Peter Sagan. Zdenek misjudged Sagan, reacted a little late on the attack of Thomas and finished second.
“Of course I’m disappointed”, Zdenek said afterwards. “I could win here. We were with three, so we each had a 33% chance. Thomas attacked when I just went from first to third position. I thought Sagan would follow him and close the gap, but he did not even came off his saddle.”
Zdenek went and Sagan was even caught by the chasing group. “I cannot say anything at Sagan, because I also could to react a little earlier and close the gap myself. Thomas surprised me a little. I thought he would go much later. He was very strong today.”
“What I need to remember of today? That the condition is good for the upcoming classics. On the Oude Kwaremont I felt my legs were very good. Sagan, Thomas and I rode away from the peloton there. Now I have great confidence for the Ronde and Roubaix.”
But first Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday. “They say the weather is going to be very bad with a lot of rain and wind. Mark Cavendish will start as our absolute leader. I just hope I won’t fall, as several riders today. Including Fabian Cancellara.”
“It was very nervous on the cobbles. Some guys crashed and Cancellara was one of the victims. He was one of the big favorites for the Ronde and Roubaix, but just like Tom Boonen he can’t start because of a crash. A great loss. I am very sad for them.”