Philippe Gilbert: Riding on the line

Classic style racing

The final stage of The Eneco Tour finished in dramatic classic style. The riders faced plenty of bergs, cobbles and rain that can re-written this stage as a bona fide classic race. At least in my classic loving opinion. The last 25km was a finishing circuit the riders would roll up four times starring the Bosberg, Denderoordberg and the Muur. Leader Rohan Dennis crashed out with 50km remaining. On the final climb Niki Terpstra, Oliver Naesen and Eddy Boasson Hagen were on the loose as the Norwegian had the legs to grind it out to win the demanding stage. Niki Terpstra wins the overall, Oliver Naesen (2nd) & Peter Sagan (3rd). Makes me wish for classic season to begin.

The Boss is back!

Friday File: Cannibal, Light up one last time & get out and climb

The Cannibal killing it in cyclocross!

"I don't know how to lose. It's not that I fear losing, I'm just a bad loser."

- Eddy Merckx

Purito Rodriguez will compete four more races this season before he hangs up his bike for good. The thirty seven year old said goodbye after the Rio Olympics but had a change of heart and will compete in; Milan Turin, Piamonte, Il Lombardia and Abu Dhabi. I hope he lights up one last win!

Get out... and climb?

'After the TTT we'll see.'

World champion, points leader and sprinter extraordinare... Peter Sagan wins into Ardooie. An amazing display of slalom riding beating some of the world's best sprinters. He now moves up to second overall, 3 seconds behind leader Rohan Dennis. Friday's TTT will be crucial...

"Peter Sagan is one of our biggest rivals, but we're not too worried. We have the team trail to come."

- Rohan Dennis

"My chances in the GC? After the TTT we'll see."
- Peter Sagan

Peter Sagan: European road race champion

Bettini Photo

Peter Sagan continues to win. He's the new European Road Race Champion in Plumelec, France. Next stop is Monday's Eneco Tour and the way he's been riding he will mostly likely scoop up more  important WorldTour points. 

With today's win he jumps back up as the leader of the UCI world rankings. 

Rankings here.

"The European champion jersey is an insurance for next year. If I don't retain the rainbow jersey, I'll be happy to wear this one."

- Peter Sagan

Unbeatable...