Verhelst sprints to first stage win at Tour de Bretagne

Photo: Fabrice Lambert / Sportbreizh.com

In the first stage of the seven stage tour, Louis Verhelst (Etixx-iHNed) sprinted to his 3rd win of the season ahead of Jan Sokol (Gourmetfein-Simplon) and Timothy Dupont (Ventilair-Steria). The bunch had to overcome a late attack from Norwegian Vegard Breen, who has 10 seconds headed into the final three kilometers. A speeding bunch was able to shut him down and Julian Alaphilippe lead out Verhelst  until 300 meters to go and Verhelst launched his sprint and according to him in a post-race interview, he knew from the moment he launched, he would win.

3rd UCI-victory in 1month at first stage #tourdebretagne. Thanks a lot again to an amazing #etixxihned leadout!
— Louis Verhelst (@LouisVerhelst) April 25, 2013

According to Verhelst, who graduated from the U23 ranks last year, he was in contact with multiple pro teams last year including Bretagne-Schuller (now Bretagne-Seche Environment) but they all turned him down. With three UCI wins so far this year, Verhelst has definitely shown he is ready for the next level.




Top 10:

1 Verhelst Louis Etixx-iHNed CT
2 Sokol Jan Team Gourmetfein-Simplon
3 Dupont Timothy Ventilair-Stéria
4 Villegas Juan 472-Colombia
5 Laborie Christophe Sojasun
6 Torres Muiño Pablo Burgos BH - Castilla y Leon
7 Alafaci Eugenio Leopard - Trek CT
8 Benfatto Marco Continental Team Astana
9 Zabel Rick Rabobank Development Team
10 Manzin Lorenzo UC Nantes Atlantique

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