Evans, Schlecks and Contador took part in early season opener
On a day when former Paris-Roubaix winner Tom Boonen triumphed on stage one of the Tour of Qatar, a past winner of the under 23 version of the same Classic hit the line first in Palma de Mallorca, winning his first pro race. British rider Andy Fenn thundered home ahead of Andre Schulze (Team NetApp) and Alesander Porsev (Katusha) plus the rest of the main field.
“I’m ecstatic…I’ve been dreaming of a victory like this,” the 21 year old Omega Pharma Quick Step rider said. “The team did some extraordinary work. In the last three laps we took charge of the race. In the final Matteo Trentin carried me splendidly and I managed to win. It’s my first success as a pro; the joy is indescribable. I can’t wait to share it with my team mates this evening.”
The race saw a number of big names take part, including the podium finishers from last year’s Tour de France. Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team), Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck (both RadioShack Nissan) were riding their first race of the year, while Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank) would take part and then fly back to Madrid prior to tomorrow’s final outcome in his CAS case.
As expected, a number of riders tried to foil the likely bunch sprint by going clear after the drop of the flag. However everything came back together at the end of the 116 kilometre event, then Fenn showed his class and speed.
After spending last season with the Continental An Post Grant Thornton Sean Kelly team, he proved today that he is more than capable of stepping up a level in 2012.