Team Katusha Russian rider Anton Vorobyev took a second podium place in the final general classification of the Belgium stage race Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen, which ended today in Ichtegem.
- I am pretty satisfied with the result and my place on the podium. The team supported me very well during all three days that we spent here, so I am very grateful to all the guys for that. The race was really hard and intense; the fighting for the overall classification was a new experience for me. Now I feel I was able to get a good form and I hope in my next races I will realize it, - said Anton Vorobyev.
- Today’s stage was very tough, there was a lot of fighting and attacks on the climbs. But we managed to pass it and to bring Anton on the final podium. The team did a good job today and they did all they could to reach our goal. There were a number of attacks from the other teams in the final of the race, but finally everything ended with the massive sprint. I think we can be happy with the results of this week-end – we won a prologue and took a podium place in GC. I am sure in next races we could get even more, - added Team Katusha sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.
The last stage of the race (Nieuwpoort – Ichtegem, 184,5 km) did not bring any changes in the general classification and ended with the bunch sprint, won by Danny Van Poppel from Trek Factory Racing. Second place went to Kris Boeckmans from Lotto Soudal, while Michael Van Staeyen from Cofidis closed out the stage podium. Anton Vorobyev, supported by his teammates, finished in the peloton, taking 25th position.
This result was enough to save the second place in general classification.
Yves Lampaert from Etixx – Quick Step became the overall winner of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen. Vorobyev lost 8 seconds. Jesse Sergent from Trek Factory Racing took third place with 12 seconds behind the winner.
