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Cavendish wasn't exactly politically correct in his post-race interview after being squeezed out by barely more than a tyre-length, but it was a well-won race by Etixx, sweeping to the front with three kilometres to go, and delivering Kittel to the win.
| 1. | GER | Marcel Kittel | EQS | |
| 2. | GBR | Mark Cavendish | DDD | " |
| 3. | GER | Andre Greipel | LTS | " |
| 4. | BEL | Edward Theuns | TFS | " |
| 5. | ITA | Niccolo Bonifazio | TFS | " |
| 6. | NED | Danny van Poppel | SKY | " |
| 7. | GER | Nikias Arndt | TGA | " |
| 8. | NED | Wouter Wippert | CAN | " |
| 9. | NED | Dylan Groenewegen | LTJ | " |
| 10. | GBR | Daniel McLay | FVC | " |
Antwerpen - Schoten 208 km
Time for a sprinters interlude to keep us busy while we wait for the pavé. Can't have us getting desperate enough to watch stageracing during the cobbles weeks.
Apparently the race has a slightly altered finale to spread out the peloton and help avoid crashes but two extra 90 degree turns? Is that really going to help? Hopefully the course designers are smarter than me and have thought this through.
Wannabe cobbler of the Day: Alexander Kristoff
I don't actually think he can beat Kittel today but I don't have the heart to jinx poor Eitxx anymore. I have a heart you know. Kristoff otoh? Meh, Norwegian.
Also there is a very good chance Katusha are actually stronger today as a team.