Cycling: Maximilian Schachmann took third place at Strade Bianche. The German champion only had to admit defeat to Wout van Aert and Davide Formolo.
The top favorites Alaphilippe & van der Poel disappoint
Actually would have Strade Bianche should already take place on March 7th. But the corona pandemic thwarted the one-day race. That's what it was for today. 184,0 kilometers had to be covered, starting and finishing in Siena, 63,0 kilometers of which were on gravel roads. With temperatures approaching 40° Celsius, the weather conditions demanded everything from the pros. So the preliminary decision was made long before the finish line. The top favourites Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick Step) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Fenix) could no longer follow the pace of the fastest – and there were still more than 60 kilometers to go. He was in much better shape Jakob Fuglsang (Astana). Last year's runner-up felt so strong that he went on the offensive with over 50km to go. However, when the gap did not quickly become large enough, the Dane let his five pursuers catch up with him again.
Chessman keeps up with the best
There was no longer a main field. Six riders should fight for victory at Strade Bianche 2020. Jakob Fuglsang (Astana), Alberto Bettiol (EF), greg van avermaet (CCC), Davide formolo (UAE), wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) and Maximilian schachmann (Bora – hansgrohe) no longer allowed any stragglers. However, with 21,6 kilometers to go, the consensus was over. Schachmann and Van Aert were able to break away together and created a new racing situation. But with the exception of Van Avermaet, their former companions were only able to reestablish contact a moment later. The Olympic champion got company from a little later Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck - Quick Step). The Czech was already far behind, but he was able to pick up group after group and leave everyone behind. However, it shouldn't be enough to get to the top today. The gap to the top five was too big.
Van Aert rewards himself
12,5 kilometers from the finish wout van aert again on the offensive. The Belgian attacked on a gravel passage and left his companions standing. The one that has been so powerful to date Jakob Fuglsang then lost the connection as well as Alberto Bettiol. Only the chasing duo remained Maximilian Schachmann / Davide Formolo left over. But even with combined forces, they could not reduce the gap to van Aert. The crosser went into the final climb with a lead of around 25 seconds - and won the victory in front of Formolo and Schachmann. After his serious fall at last year's Tour de France, he is celebrating his greatest success in road cycling. And the fans can be happy too. With this Strade Bianche event, WorldTour cycling is back after the Corona break.
🇧🇪@WoutvanAert of 🇳🇱@JumboVismaRoad wins 🇮🇹@StradeBianche #StradeBianche (📺@sporza) pic.twitter.com/okUjeUW2tX
- World Cycling Stats (@wcsbike) August 1, 2020
Women: Van Vleuten remain unbeaten in 2020
Women arrived in Siena before men did. Of a total of 136,0 kilometers, they had to cover 31,6 kilometers on gravel roads. Unfortunately couldn't be there Ashleigh moolman (CCC-Liv), Ella Harris (Canyon SRAM) and Clara Koppenburg (Paule Ka) because they fell in training. The women from Trek – Segafredo could only take part with spare wheels. During the night, thieves broke into the team truck and stole all the wheels intended for the race. Either way, however, they too would have the victory of Annemiek Van Vleuten (Mitchelton – Scott) cannot prevent. The defending champion drove as a soloist to the leader in the last few kilometers Mavi Garcia (Alé BTC Ljubljana) and finally left them. The Dutchwoman is still undefeated this season - 5 starts & 5 wins. A strong eighth place as the best German Lisa Brennauer (Ceratizit - WNT).
♀️ Strade Bianche Women Elite @eolo_it
🥇 @AvVleuten 🇳🇱
🥈 @mavi_at 🇪🇸
🥉 @DarthLeah ????????#StradeBianche pic.twitter.com/CA1civmzuG— Strade Bianche (@StradeBianche) August 1, 2020