World Road Race champion Peter Sagan today added another title to his palmares by winning the inaugural elite European road race championships in Plumelec, France. Racing in the national colours of Slovakia, Sagan finished the race with a perfectly timed sprint after a tough day in the saddle culminating with the climb of Cadoudal to the line.

After the race, a clearly delighted Sagan was keen to thank his countrymen for their hard work during the race. “I’m extremely happy to be the first ever European Road Champion and it’s an honour for me to take the Slovak colors to the highest spot of the podium. As expected, it was a long and tough race, but in the final lap my legs were strong and I thought I had what it took to jump at the opportunity when it arose.

“I waited until I felt the timing was right to attack and take my chance, although it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated work of all my Slovak team-mates. I dedicate this victory to them as well as the entire country of Slovakia and I congratulate all riders of Tinkoff for their effort in this European Championship.”

An early break of four riders pulled clear on the circuit around Plumelec, in Brittany, which took in the short but testing climb of the Cadoudal each lap.

With 50 kilometres to race, the repetitive climbs and fast pace saw a depleted peloton come within a minute of the last remaining attacker. A number of moves went up the road before eventually being swallowed up, leaving a large number of riders still in contention with one lap to go.

A strong solo move by Italian rider Moreno Moser in the final kilometres forced yet another hard chase in the peloton but in the final kilometre everything was back together again.

As the race rounded the final corner, with the finish line in sight, Sagan made his move – coming from a strong position near the front to power clear of his rivals and take the title – the first ever elite European road race title with clear space between him and the riders behind.

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