The fist stage in the Tour of Belgium was one to forget. Styby found himself at the wrong end of a split in the peloton and can now forget any general classification ambitions. “It was an important lesson for me.”
There was a lot of wind during the stage. The big men, including Tom Boonen and Philippe Gilbert, caused some splits and the peloton was completely broken up.
“You had to be in the right place at the right time, or have a lot of experience to ride in front. Today I didn't have either. It's a pity, but it was a great lesson for me. A hard lesson.”
The stage was eventually won by André Greipel. The German was faster in Knokke-Heist than Kenny van Hummel. The next stage will take the peloton over several hills, including the infamous Kemmelberg.