Wout van Aert (Jumbo Visma) has demonstrated his versatility once again by beating Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) in a bunch sprint for victory on stage 1 of Tirreno Adriatico today.
The classics rider and climber - and cyclocross star - was best in the final dash to the line after 156km into Lido di Camaiore, getting there ahead of Ewan and Fernando Gaviria (UAE-Team Emirates).
It wasn't the first time Van Aert won a bunch sprint, indeed he beat Ireland's Sam Bennett to win stage 5 of Criterium du Dauphine two years ago, though that run-in was lumpy and not a pure sprint.
Today, however, it was a straight-up gallop to the line, with Van Aert getting the better of Ewan for victory and the first leader's jersey of the race.
The only Irish rider in the race, Ryan Mullen of Trek-Segafredo, was safely in the main bunch today, finishing in 78th place. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) had planned to ride but was forced out before the start due to illness.
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💪 Tutta questione di potenza e determinazione! Guarda l'ultimo chilometro del trionfo di @WoutvanAert a Lido di Camaiore!
💪 It’s all a matter of power and pride! Watch the final kilometre of @WoutvanAert win at Lido di Camaiore!#TirrenoAdriatico pic.twitter.com/IzKTIVUSYM— Tirreno Adriatico (@TirrenoAdriatco) March 10, 2021
"I’m surprised to win but it was the plan this morning to go for the sprint,” Van Aert said after what was a brilliant victory, and a ride that shows he is in great form.
“I specifically trained for it yesterday, and also in Tenerife. Cyclocross is good practice for the explosive finishes but I was a bit worried about a lack of speed in the legs.
“I will focus on the overall classification of the Tirreno-Adriatico, then I’ll have a few days to recover afterwards and of course, after last year’s win, I’m looking forward to trying to win Milano-Sanremo again.
“Coming here I was convinced that my shape was good. This win is good for the head and for the spirit of the team," added Van Aert who was 4th in Strade Bianche last weekend despite it being the first race of his road season.
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