Trio out of luck in Wevelgem

The speedy trio of Gorka Izagirre, Pablo Urtasun and Javier Aramendía were well placed to have a crack at a top 10 finish as the finale of Gent-Wevelgem approached earlier today. Then, with 20 flat kilometres to go, bad luck struck. A crash involving a host of riders split the peloton in two, leaving the Euskaltel trio desperately playing catch-up to the front group. The second group, also including the likes of Hushovd and Cav, never made it back to the Omega Pharma-driven first group, and thus their race was practically over just as it was about to conclude. Luckily none of the Euskaltel guys were involved in the crash itself, and they all escaped unscathed, but they'll be left to curse their luck as solid performances came to naught just like that. If the crash hadn't occurred, I'm sure they would have been close to the front in the sprint finish. Eventually they had to settle for 71st, 72nd and 73rd; placings not reflecting their sturdy performances. But that's the way it goes, especially in chaotic one-dayers on the cobbles in Vlaanderen, so they'll have to pick themselves up and hope for better luck next weekend in the Ronde. Isasi and Azanza both crossed the line inside the third big group, 11:28 adrift, while Sesma came home safe and dry with the last group at 16:30.