With purpose

 

Ukrainian rider, Mark Padun rode the final 15.8 kilometres ITT of Gran Camiño with an extra purpose to victory and an important message.

"I knew that the time trial was going to be quite fast. I was hoping to be in the top three, but I didn't think I really could win this. 

I cannot be completely happy, because of what is happening in my country, but I want to share this victory with all of my citizens. I am here and I am supporting them as much as I can through this situation. I am following and want to say Slava Ukrani (Glory to Ukraine)."

-Mark Padun won the ITT in 20' 19". Valverde was fourth @ 10", Woods was 10th @ 27".

On track

"I'm really pleased with my time trial today. Especially considering how the last 24 hours went as I wasn't feeling very well and I think the stomach bug from last week has reared its ugly head again a bit. Last night I was even thinking I might not be able to race but then I felt good this morning.

I've been doing a lot of work on the TT bike and although I didn't hold onto yellow, I still finished in 10th in the stage and I've never had a top 10 in a time trial before so I can be really happy with my performance today.

-Mike Woods

Making his mark: Ottawa's Derek Gee had a helluva ride...fifth place.

"It was definitely the best time trial I've ever done by a long way. It was really cool to do that here. It has been an amazing week learning from these guys who are some of the best in the sport and some of the most experienced in the sport. So to be able to race with them and then finish it off with a performance that I am really proud of, I couldn't ask for anything more.

I had absolutely no idea how well I was going. I figured it was the last stage so I would go full gas and see how it went. I wasn't looking at numbers or anything and it was only when I crossed the line, Alexis, the soigneur, told me. I couldn't believe it, I was hoping for a top 15 so I am really, really happy.

-Derek Gee

Israel-Premier Tech was a time-trailing powerhouse with six riders in the top 20.

A repeat for Merlier?

After the Belgian opening weekend, the 54th edition of Le Samyn takes place tomorrow. 209 kilometers between Quaregnon and Dour is usually decided on the sprinters. But, a Flandrien specialist will win, my prediction this course is made for Oliver Naesen. 

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