Fabian Cancellera won the E3-Harelbeke Belgian Spring Classic this afternoon.
A 211km course which took in many of the climbs used in the Tour Of Flanders saw Tony Gallopin retire before the start due to illness on a cold day.
With 50kms gone,Eloy Teruel (Movistar) Anders Lund (Saxo Bank), Wouter Mol (Vacansoleil), Ruslan Tleubayev (Astana), Koen Barbe (Crelan – Euphony) and Stefan van Dijck (Accent Jobs – Wanty) were 25 seconds clear.
Over the top of the Leberg and the gap extended to 1.05 and with 126kms to go, they were allowed to get three minutes clear.
With 56kms to go, there were only four escapers out in front, some seventeen seconds ahead of a chasing group and 41 seconds ahead of the peloton which included World Champion Phillipe Gilbert who had not withdrawn.
Twenty one kilometres later and Swiss super star Fabian Cancellera (pictured below) made his move.
He took a lead of a minute with 24kms and one climb left. He took the Tiegemberg with ease and continued on his way.
No-one was getting near him today and the Radio Shack Leopard Trek rider and twice winner of this race rode to victory in style in 5.08.28, finishing a minute and seven seconds ahead of Peter Sagan, Daniel Oss and Team Sky's Geraint Thomas who had ridden superbly all day.
Picture copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM