Tour De Yorkshire report – day 1
‘Biggest victory of my career’
Tour de Yorkshire stage one winner Jesper Asselman speaking to ITV:
“I thought we were going to get caught because the advantage went down really fast in the last 15 to 20km.
“I knew we had a bit of a chance so I needed to stay calm and wait. I went full gas and looked under my elbow and saw it was going to happen.
“It’s always an advantage to ride at front in these types of conditions but it was so cold, I tried to put on an extra jacket but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t close the zipper and I’m still shivering like crazy.
“It is the biggest victory of my career. Last year I broke my ankle and I was almost off the bike all year. I still cannot believe it. It is really awesome.”
Race standings
- J. Asselman (Ned/Roompot) 4hrs 05 mins 45 seconds
- F. Fortin (Ita/Cofidis) Same time
- J. Van Genechten (Bel/Vital concept)
- B. van Poppel (Ned/Roompot)
- G. Cullaigh (GB/Team Wiggins)
Mark Cavendish finished in eighth place.
That was a gripping finish. Another 20-30 metres and the results would have been very different.
The peloton almost snatched that back.
There probably wont be a time gap from Jesper Asselman. He only just scraped through as the main group ate up the rest of the breakaway group.
Asselman wins
A cracking finish. Jesper Asselman is sabotaged by a Tour de Yorkshire flag held over the track by a spectator but he sprints clear of Kevin Vermaerke, Daniel Bigham and Joe Nally.
Check back for more Tour De Yorkshire report
