Kristoff’s wins fourth straight in Eschborn-Frankfurt

Alexander Kristoff’s win in the Eschborn-Frankfurt, despite the number of top sprint rivals, was predicted given his record so far. Today, he continued his streak, adding a fourth consecutive win to his palmarès for UAE Team Emirates.

The Emirates team worked hard to give him a 2018 title to add to those from 2017, 2016 and 2014 (2015 was cancelled from calendar), controlling the initial attacks and helping the Norwegian power-sprinter over the difficult climbs. The team closed the final escapees down and Kristoff did the rest.

The historic fourth consecutive win the Eschborn-Frankfurt underlines Kristoff’s command of the race. “This is a race that is particularly adapted to me,” he said. “This edition had more climbing than normal and I knew it’d be harder. In the second loop, I didn’t feel so strong and I was about dropped, but thanks to Troia and Ganna, I was able to hang in there.

“In the last two laps on the traditional circuit, my feelings changed and I began to believe in the win. The team worked very well from the start and in the final with Team Quick-Step to bring in the escapees. In the sprint, the Belgian team took control of the situation until Gaviria made a mistake on the last curve, which certainly helped things.

“It’s great to return and win after my last win back in February, and great to have made part of the race’s history with a fourth consecutive win.”

Finish order:

1 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) UAE Team Emirates 5:13:25

2 Michael Matthews (Aus) Team Sunweb s.t.

3 Oliver Naesen (Bel) AG2R La Mondiale s.t.

4 Andrea Pasqualon (Ita) Wanty-Groupe Gobert +1’’

5 Sean De Bie (Bel) Veranda’s Willems Crelan +1’’