Alexander Kristoff was author of a perfect tactical race in the Scheldeprijs (1.Pro) and offered Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux the sixth victory of the season thanks to a solo effort of more than 7 kilometer.
The Norwegian rider and his teammate Gerben Thijssen were among the fourteen riders who formed the first echelon when crosswinds split the peloton in the open fields in Zealand after only 20 kilometer. Alexander Kristoff was alone against several teams with stronger numbers and managed the several accelerations well, until he attacked himself on the cobbles of the Broekstraat (650m). He quickly dropped his competitors and started a solo effort of more than 7 kilometer in the rain. By crossing the line as a winner, the Norwegian rider broke with the tradition of “world championships for sprinters” in this Scheldeprijs. Kristoff added his name to the palmares of the oldest Flemish classic for the second time after his first win in 2015.
Alexander Kristoff:
“This is a special victory for me, because it is the first time in thirteen years that I won solo and could enjoy the final kilometer. The team attaches a lot of importance to the Flemish classics, so I’m happy to offer them this success. Our season might be a success already, but I’m convinced that Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux will only get better and better from now on!”
