Kenny van Hummel won the first edition of the Amstel Jan Thiel Criterium on Curaçao. The Skil-Shimano sprinter beat Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) and Brice Feillu (Agritubel).
Most pros opted to sit out the criterium and rest for the ‘real’ race on Saturday. The only other pro competing was Alain van der Velde. Best place rider from Curaçao was Quinten Winkel, who ended the day in fifth.
The Curaçao event is a week full of activity, where the pros can relax at the end of the season. The Caribbean island is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Tuesday and Wednesday were reserved for water games and beach volleyball. Thursday was the day of the criterium, whereas Friday tourists and locals have the last chance to register for the Saturday event.
The race starts at 2pm local time and there will be a party afterwards to close out the 2009 cycling season.
Van Hummel’s win was his sixth of the season, after already taking a stage in the 4 Jours de Dunkerque, the Ronde van Overijssel, the Batavus Prorace, the Dutch Food Valley Classic and the Tour de Rijke. He also came in second in the Dutch National Championships, behind Koos Moerenhout.