Michael Matthews (Sunweb) has triumphed in the Brittany Classic, after an exciting final in which he narrowly stayed out of the pack with a group. In the sprint he easily settled with the Slovenian Mezgec. Aimé De Gendt became first Belgian in 4th place.
Just like the women, the men had to get up early, because they already started at 9.45 am. While the women had to ride in hellish conditions (rain and wind) all morning, the men were lucky that things cleared up in time for the final.
By then a lot of riders had already given up, either due to one of the many crashes or to save themselves for tomorrow’s European Championship.
Saving is not in the dictionary of Rémi Cavagna, because 1 day after his silver medal at the European Time Trial Championships and 4 days after his French title against the clock, he resisted from the start.
Engine stops right in front of the riders
Belgians show themselves, but without success
As the peloton approached to 1 minute, Cavagna left his fellow breakaway companions, including Floris De Tier. A brave attempt, but doomed.
In the final it rained no more drops, but still attacks. Bakelants, Claeys and Aimé De Gendt, among others, were noticed. Only the latter was on board when the decision fell 2 kilometers from the end.
The tireless Nils Eekhoff, still in bag and ashes last year when he had to give up the world title with the promises, completely sacrificed himself in service for Matthews.
Matthews only had to reckon with the fast Mezgec, but that pig was expertly washed by the Australian. It is his first win of the season. He succeeds Sep Vanmarcke on the honor roll.
Watch the final of the Bretagne Classic
