Francesco Chicchi won his second race of the week on Friday, taking the sprint victory against some heavy hitters at the 194.5km Handzame Classic.
“The magic state I'm in continues," said Chicchi. “I'm very happy with this victory. We rode strong all day long. Fortunately, Keisse was in the 15-man break that marked the race, and he allowed us to sit on tires and save energy. In the final we all had perfect legs. The team did a fantastic job and I managed to clinch the double just a few days off my victory in Nokere. I want to dedicate this success to all the families of the victims of the disaster at Sierre, a terrible tragedy which we will never forget. All my teammates join me in this dedication.”
Iljo Keisse did his work earlier in the race for the team, getting into a 15 rider breakaway with slightly less than 190km to go, and staying away until 11km remained once the break split into two groups of four. Riders dropped off the break as the race moved along.
Once the break was caught, the teams set up their leadout trains for the sprint. Chicchi and Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team was up against some tough sprinters, including Adam Blythe (BMC), Marcel Kittel (Project 1T4I), Kenny Van Hummel (Vacansoleil - DCM), Kenny Dehaes (Lotto-Belisol), Robert Forster (Unitedhealtrhcare), Stefan Van Dijk (Accent Jobs - Vérandas Willems) and Steve Schets (Jong Vlaanderen). However, Chicchi had quite the support group with him.
"It was good team work today," Sports Director Tom Steels said. "Iljo spent 180km in the breakaway, and then the sprint train was Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, Andy Fenn and Chicchi. That is a nice team of riders."
With 1km to go, Michal Kwiatkowski attacked at la flamme rouge, and with 400 meters, when the sprint was inevitable, the train set up Chicchi for his fifth victory of the season.
