Greig Leach

Luca Paolini (Katusha) was another rider who's sprinter was left out of contention in the climbs and crosswinds of Gent-Wevelgem. Paolini almost lost out on the last climb up the Kemmelberg, but managed to catch back up to his breakaway companions shortly after the descent. While the others in the break look for attacks from Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) or the riders that had teammates in the group, Paolini dug deep and sprung away from the others with about six more kilometers of racing. Those behind each looked to the other to do the chasing of the fleeing Italian. Unfortunately for them, they spent a little too much time thinking the others would do the work. That enable Paolini to get an uncloseable gap allowing him to claim the race as the tender young age of 38. Chapeau! An encouragement to all of us old guys.