Aleksejs Saramotins put in a spectacular performance at GP Isbergues on Sunday, taking the win after 160km in the break.

“Aleksejs was determined to win,” said Sport Director Allan Peiper. “We had a backup plan with Leigh Howard for the sprint but the plan was to get in breaks and see what we could do.”

Saramotins attacked early getting away for four others. This break got caught and he attacked again taking three riders with him.

“The bunch held them close for a while and then all of a sudden they had over 10 minutes," added Peiper. "With 100km remaining they still had over ten minutes and I thought they could hold that. But towards the end of the race the bunch were charging home and it was very close.”

“I didn’t feel great today,” said Saramotins. “My legs were heavy but I really wanted to do something so I just tried. We worked really well together in the group right up until the final circuits.”

Saramotins and his group hit the final circuits with 3.5mins on the field and proceeded to lose a minute a lap on the field.

“He attacked three times on the circuits,” said Peiper, “Each time losing another rider.”

“With 4km to go I attacked for the last time and I was alone,” said Saramotins.” It was a long 4km. I kept thinking they’d catch me on the line and I said to myself. No way. Not today.”

With one lap to go, the break had 20 seconds. With 3km to go, it was 20 second and Saramotins finished only two seconds ahead of the bunch to take the exciting victory.
“I’m very happy,” he added. “It was my day.”