Cycling: Elia Viviani has become the new European champion. The Italian won gold at the European Road Bike Championships in Alkmaar ahead of Belgian Ives Lampaert and German Pascal Ackermann.
Italy forces early preliminary decision
On a 172,6 kilometer course around and in Alkmaar, the new European champion of the elite men was crowned today. A preliminary decision was made much earlier than we had expected. A leading group of 13 broke away long before the finish line and could no longer be caught. Why? Because the Italians with defending champions Matteo Trentin and co-favourite Elia Viviani could place both captains in the group. In addition, their helpers were Davide Cimolai and Simone Consonni with you. Even the Germans could in person from Anfahrer Rüdiger Selig and sprinters Pascal Ackermann look at a comfortable situation. The group was completed by Yves Lampaert (Belgium), Florian Senechal (France), Port of Mezgec (Slovenia), Sebastian Langeveld (Netherlands), Kasper Asgreen (Denmark), Chris Lawless (Great Britain) and Eric Baska (Slovakia). Meanwhile, in the peloton, the Dutch, Norwegians and Swiss were desperately trying to improve their situation.
Viviani doesn't give Ackermann & Lampaert a chance
With 25 kilometers to go, Davide Cimolai could no longer follow the pace. promptly attacked Elia Viviani together with Pascal Ackermann and Yves Lampaert. The trio couldn't be caught anymore, while the rest of the breakaway group was caught up by the decimated field. Five kilometers from the finish, Yves Lampaert attacked as expected. The Belgian had to try his luck with a solo as he was clearly inferior to his two companions in a sprint. At first Pascal Ackermann tried to follow, but the German was at the end of his strength. Quite different Elia Viviani. The Italian sprinted to his teammate at Deceuninck - Quick-Step forward and then gave him no chance in the final meters of the sprint. Pascal Ackermann is happy about bronze.