Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) takes first place ahead of UAE Team Emirates’ rider Modolo

Monday, 27 March 2017, United Arab Emirates:  UCI World Tour team UAE Team Emirates’, finished in top 10 at the Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday, 26th March which was won by Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team).

After finishing 26th earlier in the week at E3 Harelbeke, Modolo reflected on his performance at Gent-Wevelgem: “I was aware my legs felt good this week however because of the flat tyre in the Dwars Door Vlaanderen and I couldn’t get into the top group of riders in the E3 Harelbeke I couldn’t make the most of them. At the Gent-Wevelgem everything went well, I was patient and I succeeded in conserving my energy. I was very happy when I realised that I could sprint for a top position, the top 10 in a Classic is a good achievement and gives me an extra boost for the next few races starting with the Three Days of De Panne.” 

Teammate Filippo Ganna was forced to quit Gent-Wevelgem after a crash at 60 km, he didn’t sustain any injuries and is recovering. 

Both Gent-Wevelgem and E3 Harelbeke have many of the same iconic cobblestoned climbs as the Tour of Flanders with both races being used by riders as preparation for next Sunday’s race.

UAE Team Emirates is racing at the Three Days of De Panne on Tuesday, 28 March until Thursday, 30 March and The Tour of Flanders on Sunday, 2 April.

Race Results for Gent-Wevelgem Sunday, 26 March
1. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team - 5:39:05
2. Jens Keukeleire (Bel) Orica-Scott     
3. Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-Hansgrohe - 0:00:06
4. Niki Terpstra (Ned) Quick-Step Floors     
5. John Degenkolb (Ger) Trek-Segafredo     
10. Sacha Modolo (Ita) Team UAE Emirates     

Race Results for E3 Harelbeke Saturday, 25 March
1. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team - 4:48:17
2. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Quick-Step Floors     
3. Oliver Naesen (Bel) AG2R La Mondiale     
4. Luke Durbridge (Aus) Orica-Scott - 0:00:40
5. Lukas Pöstlberger (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe - 0:00:41
26. Sacha Modolo (Ita) UAE Team Emirates - 0:02:12