Marcel Kittel returned to winning ways on Sunday, one day after helping Tom Boonen take the honours in the Brussels Cycling Classic, by emerging victorious at the Grand Prix de Fourmies, one of the most important races in the Coupe de France calendar.
Following a flawless display by his Etixx – Quick-Step teammates, who controlled the breakaway and made sure of setting him up for the final kilometre, the 28-year-old defeated two French riders, Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) and Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie), for his 12th success of the season.
The 205-km long race was held over hilly terrain suitable to attackers, whose chances of taking the win increased with the rain that made the day an even more complicated one.
The day’s breakaway consisted of five men, who had a maximum advantage which didn’t exceed five minutes. In the final 50 kilometres, the gap went tumbling down, as the sprinters’ teams were determined not to miss this chance, and the quintet’s escape came to an end with less than 15 kilometres to go.
The sprint was a highly contested one, but supported by a well-drilled Etixx – Quick-Step squad – who kept the pace high and their man well=placed at the front – Marcel Kittel rolled across the line first, out-kicking all his opponents.
“It was another hard day in the saddle, with harsh weather conditions and a tough course, and that’s what makes this victory even more special,” said Kittel.
“Racing twice in a week-end isn’t easy, but I’m content with how things have panned out for me and the team, with two victories. After working for Tom yesterday, today it was my turn to go for the sprint and everything worked out as planned.”
“The team was great and I must thank the guys for their help! I jumped early in the sprint, but was able to keep the power and this brings me much satisfaction. My confidence is strong, the shape is there and I’m getting better and better with every race I do. This shows that I’m ready for the final part of the season.”
Kittel vs. Bouhanni & Coquard? No contest.