Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team worked for Francesco Chicchi on Wednesday at the 205.1km Scheldeprijs on Wednesday — Tom Boonen being the most active, dictating the pace of the peloton as they pursued a breakaway of seven riders.
However, the rain began to fall and race conditions quickly deteriorated. Tires slipped, riders fell, and Boonen realized it was time to protect himself.
"I took it easy in the first part of the race," Boonen said. "Then I worked for the team but when it began to rain, I went in the back of the peloton to avoid problems. I didn't take risks even in the final because with the rain it was dangerous. The road was really silppery. I'm happy about my day."
The race ended with more crashes in a bunch sprint. Marcel Kittel (Argos Shimano) took the victory in a photo finish over Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Barracuda) and Theo Bos (Rabobank Cycling Team). Francesco Chicchi was caught behind a crash with 2km to go.
"I had to ride on the grass on the side of the road to avoid the riders lying on the ground," Chicchi said. "Pity, I lost a good chance."
Matteo Trentin crashed at the finish line in a dangerous situation, but was not seriously hurt. He was the team's top finisher, in 11th place.
"Fortunately, it's nothing serious," Trentin said. "After the finish, the guys in front of me hit their brakes and I did it too. I slipped on the ground, but nothing serious."