News for April 13, 2001Recent results and new features
Gent-Wevelgem newsHincapie - "I needed to make my own race"
By Gerard Knapp US Postal Service rider George Hincapie is the toast of American cycling right now - and New York City in particular - after his dramatic win by a tyre's width over Dutchman Leon van Bon in a thrilling edition of Gent-Wevelgem on Wednesday, April 11. A last-dash throw of the bike at line secured the victory, but Hincapie remained unconvinced until it was confirmed by the commissaires, despite being told by several commentators that he got it. "I was a bit nervous after the finish, because a friend of mine said it was a photo and he was not sure if I won," Hincapie told cyclingnews. "So I did not want to celebrate too early until I was sure." Hincapie, van Bon and Telekom rider Stefan Wesseman were part of a five man break that escaped with 18 kilometres to go in the 215 kilometre race, with Arvis Piziks (CSC) and Nico Mattan (Cofidis) rounding out the top 5. Hincapie hadn't won a race since 1999 (First Union GP), although he is often seen in the leading group in the classics. He made no mistake on Wednesday and was one of the strongest riders in the finale, but anything could have happened with constant attacks coming from Piziks and Mattan. "In the last 5k I was on the defensive. I thought I could win in the sprint and I knew it was up to me to chase down the attacks. I was aggressive the whole day, but for the end I needed to take some responsibilty, and make my own race," he said. Hincapie is the main hope of US cycling in this Sunday's Hell of the North, and would now be considered a favourite. "I felt very strong in Flanders, so I was confident yesterday, as I am for Sunday." For further background on the US classic specialist, check out his nicely put-together web site. Despite flooding in the northern part of France, the organisers have not changed the parcours of the 99th Paris-Roubaix. Some rain is forecast for Sunday, but this is not expected to put a dampener on things. Check out the latest photos page for the current condition of the parcours, and cyclingnews.com will be providing a live coverage of Paris-Roubaix this Sunday.
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