Marcel Kittel opened his 2015 account with a win, leading Team Giant-Alpecin in the Tour Down Under’s People’s Choice Classic on Sunday evening in Adelaide, Australia.
The sprint victory came after days of preparation in Adelaide and teamwork during the race. With the strongest sprinter, rival teams looked to Team Giant-Alpecin to control the four-man escape that dominated the 30-lap criterium.
Team Giant-Alpecin eased off after it had the escape under control and returned to the front late, but with force. It overpowered IAM Cycling and a last-minute charge by BMC Racing, and took the front on the bell lap with Dutchman Koen de Kort.
Rival sprinters fought to ride in Kittel’s slipstream. Greg Henderson (Lotto-Soudal) succeeded to hold Kittel’s wheel through the final bends, but that was the best anyone could do. Kittel charged towards the line as the sun sat on Adelaide, holding off Henderson and his other rivals.
JJ Lobato (Movistar) placed second and Wouter Wippert (Drapac) third.
"The break was really strong today and the other teams looked to us, so no support from the bunch," Race Coach Addy Engels said. "So we had to sacrifice more guys than in the plan. Koen did an incredible lead out and Marcel finished it off in a nice way. Now we’re looking forward to the Tour Down Under."
“My boys did an awesome job,” Kittel said. “We always try to come back and stay together as much as possible and it was sort of a good lead-out with all the chaos.
"It's actually almost impossible to control a bunch in such a short race. I think my boys did an awesome job. We were always trying to come back, stay together (if it was possible) - and in the end it was still a good lead-out with all the chaos. It's a great start to the season.
"I'm actually very happy, very proud. I'm always nervous before the first race. I want that first win immediately with the team if it's possible.
"I'm here for the third time now in Adelaide for the Tour Down Under – I really love this place. I really like to race here and it's even better if you can start with a win.
“I’m always very nervous before the first race. I’m just super happy that it’s worked out. We had a good time ahead of this race, on time in Australia and with time to adapt. After this win, I’m now looking forward to the Tour Down Under.”
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