A 172 km long stage was set to open the 2018 edition of the Circuit des Ardennes, and it wasn’t a bad one for us. Today’s ride featured a total six categorized climbs compressed in only 50 km in the middle of the stage, followed by a relatively flat finish into the French town of Bazeilles. The stage was off to a fast start, with the bunch setting a high pace from early on. The eventual breakaway of the day was formed by two riders, who remained ahead until 40 km were left in the stage. 

Our five riders remained all day in the bunch saving up energy as they were always well-positioned and out of trouble. The team worked together to deliver Cees Bol into the best position possible coming into the final bunch sprint. The strong Dutchman got into the mix for the stage win and came away with fourth with teammate and lead-out man, Ide Schelling, rolling in 12th. Unfoutunately, George Stavrakakis was involved in a hard crash and was not able to finish off the stage. We wish him a good and fast recovery and will be on the bike again in no time. 

Today’s opening stage also awarded the first yellow jersey of the overall classification, and we have Cees Bol in fourth overall 10 seconds away of the race lead. Stevie Williams and Ide Schelling also rolled to the line in the front group and currently sit also 10 seconds away from the top of the overall classification ahead of tomorrow hilly stage.