Omega Pharma-Lotto leader Philippe Gilbert notched up his second win of the season today in the opening stage of the Tour of Belgium. The Belgian beat his four breakaway companions in a sprint, with Rony Martias (Saur-Sojasun) taking second and Tomas Vaitkus (RadioShack) rounding out the podium in third.
A break of seven formed after sixty kilometers of the 156.6 kilometer stage had been ridden under wind and rain. The initial move included race winner Gilbert, David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet), Vidal Celis (Footon-Servetto-Fuji), Arnaud Labbe (Cofidis), Tomas Vaitkus (RadioShack), Rony Martias (Saur-Sojasun) and James Vanlandschoot (Willems Verandas). Also of note, Rabobank's Tour de France hopeful Denis Menchov abanonded the race early in the stage.
The gap on the leaders increased to more than five minutes, but Gilbert's rival Belgian Quick Step team came to the front to limit his time gains. With 20 kilometers remaining the advantage to the remaining leaders was down to 2 minutes, with a further minute taken back over the next 10 kilometers.
Gilbert tried for a solo win twice on the run up to the line, but was unable to drop his fellow breakaways. Instead, the versatile rider was able to capitalize on his finishing speed to take the stage and the race lead.
2010 Tour of Belgium stage 1 results:
1. Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) in 3h32'18 "
2. Rony Martias (Saur-Sojasun)
3. Tomas Vaitkus (RadioShack)
4. David Boucher (Landbouwkrediet)
5. James Vanlandschoot (Willems Verandas)
6. Stefan Van Dijk (Willems Verandas) at 0'17 "
7. Jimmy Casper (Saur-Sojasun)
8. Galimzyanov Denis (Team Katusha)
9. Rafa Chtioui (Acqua e Sapone)
10. Michael Van STAEYEN (Topsport Vlanderen Mercator)