The Belgian Kevin Seeldraeyers (Astana) won the opening stage of the 65th Tour of Austria from Innsbruck to the Kühtai. Austrian national champion Riccardo Zoidl (Team Gourmetfein Simplon) took runner up spot and KOM jersey.
Immediately after the start in Innsbruck, a four-man breakaway group set off, which had formed in the first two of six laps around Kematen and Axams. Besides the two Austrians Josef Benetseder (WSA) and Stefan Praxmarer (Tirol Cycling Team) the German Florian Bissinger (Vorarlberg) and Antonio Parrinello (Androni) were also presented. They built up a lead to over six minutes but just before the 20km long final climb to Kühtal they were caught and the race started again.
An exciting race began as the peloton slowly but surely swindled in numbers on the final climb got smaller and smaller. Approximately six kilometres from the finish about five men remained and the Belgian Omega-Pro Dries Devenyns attacked. 800 metres from the finish the 27-year-old Seeldraeyers set the right attack and crossed the line 8 seconds ahead of Riccardo Zoidl. Third place went to Sky Joe Dombrowski (Sky) at 13”.
“This morning, our team leader Alexander Vinokurov told me about Kessiakoff’s Tour victory two years ago. So he put me under a lot of pressure,” the Belgian joked at the finish according to the official website of the race. He continued: "Zoidl was extremely strong and I actually thought that he wins the stage. Just before the finish I surprised them with an attack and maintained my lead to the finish."
Tomorrow the next mountain stage to Kitzbühler Horn awaits the riders. The Kitzbühler Horn with its 1.670 m is one of the toughest challenges on the tour.
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