The Wolfpack went on the attack early, animating the day.
Max Schachmann finished top ten in a star-studded edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, the first of the weekend’s World Tour one-day races taking place on the North American continent.
On the menu of this 15th edition: 20 laps of a city circuit, numerous climbs and an elevation gain of 2800 meters - enough to make a selection with more than 70 kilometers to go. That’s when the action started Friday, as soon as the breakaway was reeled in, and the Soudal Quick-Step duo of Andrea Raccagni and Max Schachmann quickly jumped from the peloton to join the dangerous move that was taking shape.
From that point on, it was full gas until the finish, as the newly-formed leading group opened a 30-second gap on the chasers, which they carried into the last three laps. Shortly after, that group exploded and only three men were left at the front of the 206km race, while behind, Max and Andrea kept working with the others to reduce the deficit. When another selection was made, Schachmann continued to put in a strong display to remain in contention for a good result, and after an all-out effort on the last hill of the race, clinched a tenth place.
“It was an extremely hard race and the first ever edition, I think, where the riders finished alone or with a small group. The start list was a quality one, and knowing this, I decided to anticipate a bit and go early, which was a good plan. In the final kilometers I was a bit empty and had some cramps, but I’m content with leaving everything out there today and with finishing in the top ten. Now I hope to recover for Sunday, where we’ll fight for another good result”, Max explained after the finish.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
