Pavel Bittner sprints to 2nd after strong team ride at GP Fourmies

One-day racing in Europe returned for Team Picnic PostNL’s Men’s program on Sunday afternoon, with a rolling and hilly route that started and finished in Fourmies. Nonetheless, it is a race that traditionally ends in a sprint finish so the team set out with the goal of looking after and setting up fast finisher Pavel Bittner for the finale.

Some strong teamwork throughout the day saw the team take control at the front of the peloton, slowly reeling in the strong five rider breakaway that was clear. The catch was ultimately made within the final five kilometres and things became hectic in the bunch. Nonetheless, the team remained composed and could keep the speed on at the head of the peloton, ensuring that Bittner didn’t get swamped. It was still chaotic though but Bittner squeezed up the inside alongside the barriers and launched a strong kick, taking a good second place come the line.

Bittner expressed: “Today we went into the race with the idea of me as a sprinter and the guys supporting that. From the start a break went pretty quickly and we were one of the teams that made sure it came to a bunch sprint. I think Mees did ad really good job, he kept on coming back, but all of the guys were on a high level today. On one of the laps we were involved in a small crash but we could all come back okay. We came into the final from the front so that we were there in position. It was really messy but I somehow found my way through. I didn’t have a clear line to get some speed and really make a fast sprint but in the end second place is a nice result, and I’m happy to finish on the podium after the work the guys did.”

Team Picnic PostNL coach Roy Curvers added: “We had a really dedicated team today that was determined to give Pavel a shot to go for the victory. We invested a lot to bring the breakaway back. In the final we didn’t hesitate in taking the front early which kept us safe and in the end put us in position to sprint for the win. Unfortunately one man was faster, but if you look at everything we did right then I think we can go one step higher the next time.”