Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team did everything they could to control the race and help Tony Martin make history at the final, 178.7km Stage 5 of the Baloise Belgium Tour on Sunday.
Martin went into the stage in the red jersey. He was the two-time defending champion, and had the chance to be the only rider ever to win the overall three times, let alone three years in a row.
The race came back together with 32km to go, but GC contenders launched attack after attack on the two-lap circuit with six climbs each, including the Mur de Huy. Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling), Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Shimano), and even Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing Team) in the points jersey did their best to get a gap. But OPQS continued to control the race, all the way into the final kilometers.
Martin didn't just win the overall, however, He launched an attack after the final intermediate sprint section, with 4.7km to go. He went away with Bram Tankink (Belkin Pro Cycling) and Dries Devenyns (Giant-Shimano). The trio were caught in the final meters, but there was no doubt that Martin would win the overall and solidify his place in Baloise Belgium Tour history.
Niki Terpstra, who worked hard for Tony on the front, was 4th. Paul Martens (Belkin Pro Cycling) won the stage. Francesco Gavazzi (Astana) was 2nd, and Greg Van Avermaert (BMC Racing Team) was 3rd.
There was a nasty crash just before the finish, but Martin was able to avoid the riders and cross safely.
Martin's historic win is the 36th for OPQS, in three disciplines, in 2014. Martin has four wins this season.
"Today we rode splendidly, we really controlled the race since the beginning," Martin said. "We knew this stage wasn't hard like last year's final stage, but enough to put us in trouble in case of attacks. But, we took a good tempo and controlled the race in every situation. We did the Mur de Huy twice and did 12 climbs in total, but we were always in control. I tried to attack but Tankink and Devenyns didn't want to go full gas until the finish. But OK, we already secured the victory. I think this was really a team victory and I'm really happy about it. Also I'm proud I'm the only rider to win this race three times, and especially because it was three times in a row. I made history in Belgium and we're a Belgian team. I'm happy to give this win for OPQS at what is really a home race. As for me, my next race will be Tour de Suisse. There's a prologue and a TT and I'd like to do well and make a mark at this race."
