 Loading |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The peloton kept the tempo high, and Ricky Sanin slowly lost his lead. When the peloton reached him, after 16 2 km, Alberts Ekerts (Astana Moonstar) and Alípio Almada (Oporto Team) launched a counter attack. Ricky Sanin's first attempt didn't stop him from joining the break away, which afterwards slowly increased the lead.
When 10 km of the stage were left, the three riders in the break away were quite sure to go all the way to the finishing line alone. Their thoughts later became doubts, as the peloton got closer and closer. On the final kilometre, the 3 riders could see the peloton behind them, as they gave everything they could.
Alípio Almada launched an attack, which Ricky Sanin easily countered despite his hard work on the stage. For Alberts Ekerts it was a littler harder to follow, but later he simply proved to be faking. Alípio Almada couldn't follow the new tempo set by Alberts Ekerts, and neither could Ricky Sanin. Alberts Ekerts safely sprinted to victory and raised his arms while crossing the finishing line. Behind him, about the length of two bikes away, Ricky Sanin was slightly faster than Alípio Almada, who seemed to have no more power left after trying to attack earlier.
Alberts Ekerts was happy for his efforts today. It was a tough day today, but with the result of it, it suddenly feels like nothing. I'm so happy I won today. I didn't expect it at all, said the pleased winner.
The manager of Astana Moonstar was proud of his rider today. Alberts Ekerts has been training and preparing himself for this race. It's an important victory - both for Alberts Ekerts but also for the team.
Links:
 Doha - Umm Bab - Doha
 Alberts Ekerts
 Ricky Sanin
 Alípio Almada
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
