© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
Everything started in Charleroi with the presentation of the teams: the sign of the cross prevailed for the Française des Jeux with Thomas Lovkvist and Jussi Veikkanen respectively sporting the Swedish and Finnish national colours.
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
As for the world and Olympic champion Paolo Bettini, he eagerly amassed any handy tips that would enable him to capture this prestigious race missing from his list of prize wins.
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
From the very start of the race a fast pace was set and numerous breakaway attacks were attempted.
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
Following several challenges, a foursome pulled clear, made up of Gorka Verdugo, Christophe Le Mevel, Freddy Bichot and David Loosli.
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
After allowing the breakaway group to extend their lead (up to a maximum gap of 7’10’’at the fi rst passage of the Huy), the pack, devoted itself to reducing the gap, under pressure from the Caisse d’Epargne and Gerolsteiner teams.
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
Verdugo, who managed to break clear, was not to continue on his own for long: with the partition of the pack so perfectly orchestrated, he was caught at kilometre 159. Ever-increasing counter attacks followed: those of the Belgian Philippe Gilbert and the Russian Serguei Ivanov were the most signifi cant. And yet, it was only in the very final stretch of the race that victory was decided: closely chasing Mathias Kessler,…
© A.S.O. / Jean-Christophe MOREAU
… Davide Rebellin outdistanced all his challengers in the Mur de Huy. Fortissimo !
