Team Columbia Takes Control at The Eneco Tour

August 24, 2008

Team Columbia took first and second in the overall classification at the Eneco Tour on Sunday thanks to some intelligent race tactics.

Germany’s Andre Greipel switched from being a sprinter to an attacker as the race climbed some of the famous hills of Flanders and picked up enough time bonus seconds to take the overall lead from Italy’s Daniele Bennati.

First year professional Edvald Boasson Hagen tried to take the lead himself, or at least stop others riders taking the lead from Greipel, with a late attack in the final kilometre. He finished third behind Tom Boonen and Kenny Van Hummel but is now just two seconds behind Greipel in the overall standings. If he can avoid losing time in the final two road stages, Boasson Hagen must be favourite to win overall because the race ends with a 18.8km individual time trial.

“It was a long day for me because I don’t usually go in breakaways but it was worth it. Now I’ve got the leader’s jersey. This is a ProTour race and so it’s pretty important,” Greipel said proudly.

Team Columbia will try to defend the white leader’s jersey during Monday’s fifth stage from Ardooie to Ostende in Belgium but will also look for another stage win.

The wind could be a factor as the race hits the Belgian coast but with experienced and on-form riders like Roger Hammond, Paris-Roubaix winner Servais Knaven and Michael Rogers in the Columbia team at the Eneco Tour, Greipel will have plenty of support as race leader.

“I don’t think I can win the race because of the final time trial but with Boasson Hagen in second just behind me, the team is in the best possible position for the final stages,” Greipel said.

“I’m still feeling good and so hopefully I can win the sprint on Monday as well and take another stage victory.”