Team Katusha’s Alexander Kristoff obtained another WorldTour victory by winning the one-day classic Grand Prix Ouest France - Plouay in France. In a sprint of some 50 riders, Kristoff was the fastest rider beating Simone Ponzi (Southeast) and Ramunas Navardauskas (Cannondale-Garmin). For Kristoff it is his 20th victory of the 2015 season. The GP Ouest France - Plouay and Paris-Roubaix are the only two WorldTour one-day races in France.
- Everything went how we planned it. Of course we had to gamble a bit. We could not do all the work to catch back the three guys in the front, but we were present and saved forces for the last kilometer. In the sprint we really had control over the situation. I need to thank all my teammates. In the end we started here with three guys coming back from an injury but they did a marvelous job for me. No need to say that I am very happy with this prestigious win, - said Alexander Kristoff.
On the 9th and last ascent of the Côte de Ty Marrec (1500 m, 5,5 % average gradient), with 4 km to go, the break of three riders - with Alexey Lutsenko, Tim Wellens and Silvan Dillier – was caught. Greg Van Avermaet and Matti Breschel launched at searing attack, but Team Katusha chased them down too. And then it was time for Jacopo Guarnieri to start his sprint for team leader Alexander Kristoff.
- It was amazing how the six teammates of Kristoff worked all day. And then in the last lap Marco Haller and Jacopo Guarnieri did the perfect job. For them it is also nice when the leader finishes the job. I am impressed by them, but most by Alexander Kristoff himself. It is amazing what a big engine Kristoff has. His training intensity is exemplary. He is so focused. His season is not over yet, - said team director Torsten Schmidt.
The long 217 km classic consisted of eight laps of 26,9 kilometer and one extra lap of 13,9 km. Five riders were able to stay in front most of the race but when the real final began, there story was over. Then Team Katusha, with Sky and Etixx – Quick Step controlled the race. Only Lutsenko, Wellens and Dillier caused some panic in the main group, but in the end all turned out well for Team Katusha.
Alexander Kristoff will now head to Canada for the WorldTour races in Quebec and Montreal before heading to Richmond, US, for the World Championships.
- The Canadian races are a bit too hard for me, but it will be the perfect last preparation for Richmond, - concluded Alexander Kristoff.
After GP Ouest France – Plouay Team Katusha moved into lead in the UCI WorldTour team ranking with 1270 points.
Photo credit: (c) Tim De Waele
