Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Kristof Vandewalle will wear the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen leader's jersey for the final stage, as his team worked to bring back breakaways in order to defend his GC lead and ensure a bunch sprint in the 175.4km Stage 1, from Brugge to Harelbeke, on Saturday.
OPQS rider Mark Cavendish was a potential favorite for the stage victory, but it was Danilo Napolitano (Accent Jobs - Wanty) who won the sprint. Tom Van Asbroeck (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise) was 2nd and Barry Markus (Vacansoleil-DCM) was 3rd.
"They were organized for the sprint, but there was a crash inside the final 5km and it involved Gert Steegmans," Sport Director Tom Steels said. "So our leadout was a little bit compromised. It was also really dangerous as there was a lot of tailwind, making it a hectic and high speed sprint. Cavendish tried, but not 100 percent as it was a bit too risky. But, OK, Kristof maintained his jersey as OPQS controlled the race today. We will see tomorrow for the last stage."