Pino Cerami chance goes begging

Euskaltel's Classics squad failed to fire in yesterday's low-key GP Pino Cerami.

The Belgian one-day race that pays tribute to the former Italian-born Belgian cyclist of the same name, each year features a relatively low-quality field compared to the races that bookend it: Scheldeprijs and Paris-Roubaix.

The race usually comes down to a field sprint, and that was the case once again on Thursday. Jonas Vangenechten of Lotto-Belisol caused an upset by easily coming out tops, besting Vacansoleil's Romain Feillu and Doltcini-Flanders' Andris Smirnovs.

Euskaltel's man for the occasion, Alexandre Serebryakov, once again flattered to deceive, coming in 14th. According to the team's website, utility man Juan José Oroz tried his luck with a move in the closing stages that eventually proved futile.

Results:

• (1, Jonas Vangenechten (Lotto-Belisol), 5:13:46)
• 14, Alexandre Serebryakov, s.t.
• 24, Peio Bilbao, s.t.

Photo: Euskaltel Euskadi