Trofeo Palma

Bad luck for Lamperti in Palma

Soudal Quick-Step rode a perfect race Sunday afternoon up until the final kilometer of the 150km Trofeo Palma, only for an untimely flat to take Luke Lamperti out of contention just as he rounded out the final corner and was in an excellent position near the front of the peloton, where Yves Lampaert was pushing a huge tempo.

Having played a key role in Paul Magnier’s win three days ago, the young American was now the squad’s designated sprinter for the last race of the Challenge Mallorca, the flattest of the week, which his teammates controlled from the beginning. Leander Van Hautegem and Mauri Vansevenant worked hard behind the five escapees of the day, while Mattia Cattaneo put his solid time trial skills to use in the closing kilometers to stretch out the bunch just like in Trofeo Ses Salines-Felanitx.

It wasn’t to be in the end, as Luke was prevented from fighting for victory, which went to Gerben Thijssen (Intermarche-Wanty). Former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert was our first rider at the finish in ninth place, racking up Soudal Quick-Step’s sixth top ten of the week here in Mallorca.

 

Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images