© A.S.O. Bruno BADE
The start, given from Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines, every year attracts a large public…
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
… aware that this great autumn classic favours superb attacks and killer bordures.
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
The first attack of the day was launched at kilometre 7 by a group of 22 riders…
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
But the pack embarked upon the chase, and with the Française des Jeux, Predictor-Lotto and Lampre-Fondital teams at the helm, not represented at the front of the race, took the junction at kilometre 93. A new group emerged at km 106 with 35 riders, including Gilbert, Cancellara, Napolitano, Vasseur and Voeckler.
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
The same causes leading to the same effects, the breakaway pack was unable to sustain a significant lead. Only Boucher, Quinziato and Pauwels managed to gain momentum; at the feeding area (km 149), the leading trio topped its advantage at 6’50’’.
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
The team sprinters moved into action and split the breakaway. Only Quinziato held out, but he was caught in the Côte de l’Epan, where Gilbert, Pozzato and Kroon moved into the lead.
© A.S.O. / Bruno BADE
The threesome was caught 500 metres from the finishing line. Zabel, who beat Petacchi on the avenue de Grammont in 2003, worked to help his leader and set up victory for the Milram team. At the end of the final strait, the Italian triumphed: a glorious victory!