Reversal of fortune for Kessler
Hot, Holland, Hot! Boonen takes the daily double
By Anthony Tan & Brecht Decaluwé in Valkenburg, with additional reporting from Tim Maloney
Like yesterday's stage to Esch-sur-Alzette, just one rider separated breakaway from bunch with five kilometres to go. Unfortunately for AG2R's José Luis Arrieta, he was caught at the base of the Cauberg three kilometres from home, but yesterday's sole escapee Matthias Kessler turned around his disappointment on the climb's 8.3 percent slopes, the T-Mobile man leaving the entire field in his wake and coming home a winner in Holland.
"Yesterday, I already had very good feelings, I felt really good. Today was exactly the same, so I thought I'd try again," said Kessler on his motivation to try, try again.
"The race was different [yesterday compared to today] though, for three reasons," added the 27 year-old.
"The heat, the distance and the fatigue of some riders - it all contributed to a hectic stage and loss of concentration in the peloton. Everybody must watch out if they don't want to be involved in a crash.
(Excerpt) Read more at CyclingNews.com
Stage 3 stats (including medical report): VeloNews.com
