Dutch cyclist Maurits Lammertink wins Škoda Tour de Luxembourg 2016
Dutchman Maurits Lammertink of team Roompot-Oranje Peloton claims victory at the 76th edition of Škoda Tour de Luxembourg , finishing ahead of former World Cycling Champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) and Luxembourger Alex Kirsch (Stölting Service Group)
The 76th edition of Škoda Tour de Luxembourg – a five-stage multi-day cycle road race concluded on Sunday, with Dutchman Maurits Lammertink (Roompot-Oranje Peloton) declared as the overall winner.
Belgian ex-champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) dominated two out of the five stages of the road race to claim 2nd place and Luxembourger Alex Kirsch (Stölting Service Group) came in 3rd, after strong performances in stages two and four.
This year’s event also signalled the return to form of former world champion Philippe Gilbert. Putting aside the controversy surrounding his altercation with an allegedly drunk car driver during a training ride, Gilbert rode brilliantly and sprinted up the steeper sections in stage two and four with ease, earning his title of a puncheur*.
Speaking to The Outdoor Journal, the outgoing Tour Director Frank Zeimet said, “I am very happy with this year's tour and it was a great way to say to goodbye with so many elite riders among the peloton. Among them, a great winner in Maurits Lammertink, the return of Philippe Gilbert and it's good for the sport to see a Luxembourgish on the podium in Alex Kirsch.”
For Zeimet, who has been organizing the tour since 2002, this edition was his last, “This is my last year organising the Tour since Andy Schleck and Pierre Barthelmé will be directing the tour from next year," he said.
A prestigious 2.HC classified event** of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, Tour de Luxembourg is one of the first few races of the summer. Cyclists treat this as a training ground for Tour de France.
*puncheur – riders who are well suited to rolling race courses with short, steep climbs. Often used by teams to attack the breakaway riders.
**2.HC – A race classification developed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) where ‘2’ signifies a multi-day event, and ‘HC’ (Hors Catégorie) distinguishes the highest category of road races.
Feature Image © Serge Waldbillig/Luxemburger Wort
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