Kristoff blows away rivals for Gent-Wevelgem win

Alexander Kristoff won the Gent-Wevelgem title to add to a prestigious list of wins already in his palmarès.

Strong winds pulled apart the race today but the Norwegian was able to always maintain his position on the small climbs and cobble sections. He attacked to anticipate the the last time up the Kemmelberg climb and positioned himself for the eventual victory.

Heading towards the line, every major name was in the group and UAE Team Emirates had two representatives with Kristoff and Fernando Gaviria, and Kristoff gave the team its first big classic one-day race and it’s 11th victory of the season. John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) placed second and Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) third.

“I remained at the front of the group with Gaviria.“ Kristoff said. “At 10 kilometres out, we spoke and agreed that I would make this sprint and try to win. In the sprint, I was the strongest and that’s even if I was a little bit tired but all the riders at the front of the group raced hard and fast from the start. I pulled out a big win that carries a lot of weight in the spring classics.

The team has improved a lot and I’m benefiting from the work that I’ve done with my trainers and with training rides a little shorter but more intense, and the results are starting to show. The change is paying off. I’m also content because I feel my condition is improving and it’s a good signal ahead of the Tour of Flanders.”