Vattenfall Cyclassics: Boonen 4th, Alaphilippe on the Attack, Bad Luck for Cav
Etixx - Quick-Step rider Tom Boonen contested the bunch arrival of a 221.3km Vattenfall Cyclassics, despite the fact that the finale was filled with disarray on Sunday. Boonen earned a 4th place finish behind winner Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), 2nd place finisher Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and 3rd place finisher Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing).
The race was non-stop attacking all the way until the final kilometer, but the high tempo of the peloton meant each attack was quickly brought back. However, this also resulted in disorganization for the group sprint, as leadout trains were unable to maintain control for long at the front of the field.
Mark Cavendish suffered bad luck with a crash close to the finale, which took him out of contention. He was still able to cross the finish line with Stijn Vandenbergh after the race was decided.
Julian Alaphilippe went on the attack going into the final kilometers, catching up to Linus Gerdemann (Cult Energy Pro Cycling) as the duo had an 11" advantage with 13.1km left to race. The attack was short lived, as was every other attack going into the finish line. Alaphilippe finished 22nd in the race.
Tony Martin, a German rider, returned to racing in his home country after a crash at Le Tour de France Stage 6 resulted in a broken collarbone, which required surgery. He successfully finished the
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