RideLondon-Surrey Classic – Elia Viviani claims the victory
Elia Viviani (Italian) wins ‘RideLondon-Surrey Classic’ at The Mall after an amazing finish.
Last year’s “Runner-up”, Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider Viviani stayed clear of a late crash in the chasing pack to clock three hours 46 minutes 16 seconds over the 169km course.
Irish national champion Sam Bennett finished second, with Viviani’s Danish team-mate Michael Morkov was third.
‘King of the Mountains’ title was awarded to Britain’s Alex Dowsett who scored 32 points – he was part of a three-man breakaway at the head of the field for much of the race featuring five climbs of Box Hill.
Dutchman Pascal Eenkhoorn fell away with 25km left, leaving Dewulf of Belgium as the sole leader before the peloton finally overhauled him in Wimbledon village with 14km remaining.
The collision with two kilometres to go accounted for several riders in the chasing group – not as dramatic as Saturday’s Classique finale when winner Kirsten Wild was disqualified – but Viviani was not affected as he recorded his 75th road victory.
Australian Caleb Ewan, winner of three stages at the Tour de France, was not in contention and dropped out of the peloton with 75km left.
Top Five Results:
- E Viviani (Ita/Deceuninck-Quick-Step) 3hrs 46mins 16secs
- S Bennett (Ire/Bora-Hansgrohe) same time
- M Morkov (Den/Deceuninck-Quick-Step) “
- J Stuyven (Bel/Trek-Segafredo) “
- A Grondahl Jansen (Nor/Team Jumbo-Visma) “