Team Katusha's Filippo Pozzato has scored a win for the second time in four days by taking the first stage of the Driedaagse De Panne ahead of breakaway companion Frederik Willems from Liquigas.
Before winning the E3-Prijs this past Saturday ahead of Quick-Step's Tom Boonen, the Italian hadn't won a race in over a year. Winning today confirms that Pozzato's surprise upset over Boonen was no fluke, putting the rider in a good position to realize his dream of winning the Tour of Flanders this Sunday.
The first break of the day came at the 70km mark when six riders Curvers, Capelli, Cappelle, Merlo, Neirynck, and Zita jumped clear of the group. At one point the group had over six minutes, but they were pulled back by a focused Silence-Lotto team on the hunt for a result.
When the break was caught, a group of 30 riders formed the front group from which the break would come. Missing out on the move were Quick-Step leaders Tom Boonen and Stijn Devolder. Boonen tried unsuccessfully to make it across, but eventual second place finisher Willems was able to bridge the gap.
With just over 20k to go Willems attack just before the Valkenberg . Over the Valkenberg emerged a super Pozzato, bridging the gap to Willems with ease with 17k left to race. When it came down to a sprint finish Willems did his best to fend of the Italian, but the Katusha rider proved to strong taking the victory and leaders jersey.
Silence-Lotto's Greg Van Avermaet led the sprint home about a minute back from the leaders, giving his team a bit of morale coming into the Flanders weekend.
Results:
1. Filippo Pozzato (ITA) Katusha 4hr 36min 51sec
2. Frederik Willems (BEL) s.t.
3. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) at 57
4. Borut Bozic (SVQ) s.t.
5. Grega Bole (SLO) s.t
6. Martijn Maaskant (NED) s.t
7. Assan Bazayev (KAZ) s.t
8. Vincent Jerome (FRA) s.t
9. Marco Finetto (ITA) s.t
10. Steve Chainel (FRA) s.t
Overall standings
1. Filippo Pozzato (ITA) Katusha 4hr 36min 51sec
2. Frederik Willems (BEL) at 4s
3. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) 1:03.
4. Borut Bozic (SLO) 1:05.
5. Marco Finetto (ITA) 1:05.
6. Paul Voss (GER) 1:06.
7. Grega Bole (SLO) 1:07.
8. Martijn Maaskant (NED) 1:07.
9. Assan Bazayev (KAZ) 1:07.
10. Vincent Jerome (FRA) 1:07.