Martens beats Riccò at GP Wallonie
The Grand Prix de Wallonie, held on Wednesday, was part of the series of one-day races in Cadel Evans’ build-up schedule before he defends his World Champion title at the UCI Road World Championships in Geelong and Melbourne, Australia from September 29
to October 3. Evans, for BMC-Racing, finished the GP Wallonie in third, five seconds ahead of the pack and in the same time as winner Paul Martens, for Rabobank, and runner-up Riccardo Riccò, for Vacansoleil.
“The final was very tough,” said Martens to the Belgian press. “Vacansoleil gave everything, but I knew that the last turn before the line was very technical and decisive. There were three of us going for victory and my main competitor was a very explosive
Riccò. A good feel of the last corner was the secret to winning.”
Riccò’s team mate Björn Leukemans accused his new team mate of riding against him in the finale. He seems to have a bone to pick with Riccò, who returned to professional cycling in March after a two-year doping suspension was up. Leukemans recently publicly
criticized the Italian rider when Vacansoleil announced his signing, stating that the rider has no UCI points and therefore is not worth signing.
“I accelerated on the last climb to try and win the race, but when I turned around I saw three riders on my wheel, including Riccò,” said Leukemans after the stage. “He should have left a gap so as to oblige Martens and Evans to ride. Riccò was stuck to
me and we gave it to Martens on a plate.”
Martens ultimately sprinted ahead of Riccò for the win, proving that he’s regained his form since he had to undergo a lengthy recovery after a serious crash in the Dauphiné Libéré in June. His first race back was GP Stad Geraardsbergen, where he finished
in seventh. He originally missed out on a place on the German team for the World Championships, but when Sebastian Lang and Marcus Burghardt had to drop out of the team with injuries, Martens was one of the riders chosen to replace them.
“I did not really count on it. Now I feel honored. This gives me confidence,” said Martens. “I am doing the Belgian classics. This should give me the form to be in top condition at the start line in Australia. I will give everything for a success of the
team.”
Dominic Klemme, who is currently riding in the Vuelta a Espana, is the other replacement for the German team, riding in support of leader André Greipel.
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