Cofidis rider Jens Keukeleire took the first victory of his professional career today in Belgium at the the traditional Wallonian season opener GP Samyn. The 21 year old got the better of Grégory Joseph (Topsport Vlaanderen), Cédric Pineau (Roubaix Lille Métropole) in the final dash to the line.
Several riders tried their hand at escaping in the closing kilometers, but strong winds and the French Française des Jeux team conspired to keep the race together for the finish. Keukeleire came into the finale in good position with a strong jump to the line to seal up the win. Française des Jeux sprinter Yauheni Hutarovitch finished in fourth place.
1. Jens Keukeleire – Cofidis
2. Grégory Joseph – Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator
3. Cédric Pineau – Roubaix Lille Metropole
4. Yauheni Hutarovich – Française des Jeux
5. Kristof Goddaert – Ag2r-La Mondiale
6. Marco Marcato – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
7. Jonas Aaen Jorgensen – Saxo Bank
8. Steven Tronet – Roubaix Lille Metropole
9. Lloyd Mondory – Ag2r-La Mondiale
10. Steven Caethoven – Landbouwkrediet