Dutch rider Kenny of Hummel (Skil – Shimano) has won the 186.9 km opening stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk that started and finished in Dunkirk. Hummel beat Frenchman Sebastien Chavanel (Française des Jeux) and his fellow countryman Steven de Jongh (Quick – Step) in a mass sprint toward the line. Belgian Champion Jürgen Roelandts came in close behind in fourth. With his win today Van Hummel also becomes the race leader.
The first attack came after 52 kilometers when Frenchman Jonathan Thire tried on his legs. He was able to open up a gap of 2:30, but once the course started to toughen up his lead began to evaporate. The break swelled to a group of nine riders, which included Jürgen Roelandts.
With around 30km to go there was a break of 26 riders, but they couldn’t stop the motivated peloton from brining the race back together.
Frenchman Tony Gallopin tried to make a solo bid for the line in the closing kilometers, but was brought back into the fold by the sprinters’ teams.
In the sprint an on form Kenny Van Hummel finally took a win after a recent string of second place finishes.
Tomorrow’s second stage will take the riders from Coudekerque-Branche to Arques.
Results, Stage 1
1. Kenny Van Hummel (Nl), Skil – Shimano, 186.5km in 4:13:29 (44.24kph)
2. Sébastien Chavanel (F), Française des Jeux, same time
3. Steven De Jongh (Nl), Quick – Step, s.t.
4. Jürgen Roelandts (B), Silence – Lotto, s.t.
5. Stéphane Bonsergent (F), Bretagne-Schuller, s.t.
6. Aurélien Clerc (Swi), AG2R La Mondiale, s.t.
7. André Greipel (G), Columbia – Highroad, s.t.
8. Yukiya Arashiro (Jpn), Bbox Bouygues Telecom, s.t.
9. Arnaud Coyot (F), Caisse d’Epargne, s.t.
10. Baden Cooke (Aus), Vacansoleil, s.t.