Marcel Kittel (GER) has sprinted to victory at the one-day Omloop van het Houtland Lichtervelde today in Belgium for Team Argos-Shimano.
He finished off some great work by his teammates who controlled the race all day in pursuit of the win, and in doing so seals his 16th and the team’s 23rd race victory of the 2013 season. Coach Rudi Kemna (NED) said:“We came here with a team of 10 riders, which is quite unusual, so that resulted in a big bunch over a tight, twisty course. We made a good plan together and wanted to control a small break and that is just what happened.
„The boys controlled the race all day and chased the leaders back just down the finish where our lead out train came through with Roy Curvers (NED), Jonas Ahlstrand (SWE), Bert De Backer (BEL) and Tom Veelers (NED) in position in the last kilometres, delivering Marcel in a good position with 200m to go.
„It was great to see Marcel win today, it’s a nice victory from him and for the team. It doesn’t sounds hard to win a race like this, but there was a large field with strong teams on the start today, and everybody wants to win, but our boys did it and forced it themselves. It’s always great to see such a spirited and focused group.“
„Our race today was all down to great teamwork,“ said a jubilant Kittel after the finish. „We were always aware of what was going on and when the boys closed the gap to the break away and put me in position I had to finish it off.
„The way we worked filled me with confidence and of the win relieves some pressure from my shoulders. I am proud of this win and can now look forward to the last race of the season in the Münsterland Giro.“