19th Oostendse Wielervrienden - 1.5

Oostende, Belgium, June 26, 2001

2000 Results    Results    Past winners

Paolini wins in Belgium

Mapei's Luca Paolini has won the "Oostendse Wielervrienden" over 162 kilometres. The race, which was disputed over 10 laps of a 16 km circuit, was characterised by a long escape of 28 riders, including Paolini. With two laps to go, Paolini went with a counter-attack along with Kurt Van Lancker, Christophe Brandt and Martin Van Steen. With 10 kilometres to go, Paolini went with Van Lancker, who he was easily able to beat in the sprint.

"I was a very hard race," said Paolini. "Because of the heat and the strong wind. The team was responsible for this success. In the initial break there were six of us, and their job was crucial to ensure my victory."

Results - 162 km

1 Luca Paolini (Ita) Mapei-Quick Step
2 Kurt van Lancker (Bel) Lotto-Adecco
3 Martin van Steen (Ned) BankGiroLoterij     0.37
4 Christophe Brandt (Bel) Lotto-Adecco       0.40
5 Eric De Clercq (Bel) Collstrop-Palmans     0.51
6 Evgeni Petrov (Rus) Mapei-Quick Step
7 Glenn D'hollander (Bel) Lotto-Adecco

Past Winners

2000 Danny Daelman (Bel) Spar-Oki