Site Davitamon-Lotto - Message of 09/02/2006

Title: ROBBIE MCEWEN WINS STAGE 1 OF GP INTERNATIONAL !!!

Message The opening stage of GP International linked Setúbal to Palmela over 158 km. After a fairly flat day, the finale included two climbs, Alto Arrábida (cat 3) and Alto das Necessidades (cat 4). The first stage was animated by the long breakaway of Célio Sousa (Carvalhelhos-Boavista), who left the peloton after 65 km. The Portuguese racer increased regularly the gap, and had some 7’20” 30 kilometres further. In the mean time, our Gert Steegmans was rather active in the intermediate sprints, finishing twice second. With 60 km to go, our team appeared at the head of the peloton, and Sousa's advantage shrink regularly! At kilometre 130, Sousa's attempt was over. Our team remained very active, and the stage finished with a pack sprint, won by Robbie McEwen his third win of this season! Robbie is also leader of this 4-days race. Bags of congrats !!! Results 1. Robbie McEwen (Aus) Davitamo-Lotto 2. Bernhard Eisel (Aut) FDJeux.com at 1" 3. Manuel Cardoso (Por) Carvalheldos-Boavista 4. Bruno Neves (Por) Madeinox 5. Huub Duyn (Ned) Rabobank ... 25. Björn Leukemans at 6" 77. Gert Steegmans at 21" 107. Leon Van Bon (Ned) at 1'24" 110. Jan Kuyckx at 7'56" 118. Nico Mattan 123. Wim De Vocht 132. Nic Ingels Classification 1. Robbie McEwen (Aus) Davitamo-Lotto 2. Bernhard Eisel (Aut) FDJeux.com at 5" 3. Manuel Cardoso (Por) Carvalheldos-Boavista at 7" 4. Rony Martias (Fra) Bouygues Telecom at 9" 5. Bruno Neves (Por) Madeinox at 11" ... 25. Björn Leukemans at 16" 45. Gert Steegmans at 27" 107. Leon Van Bon (Ned) at 1'34" 111. Jan Kuyckx at 8'06" 119. Nico Mattan 122. Wim De Vocht 132. Nic Ingels Points 1. Robbie McEwen (Aus) 9. Gert Steegmans Teams 8. Davitamon-Lotto