CSC neo-pro impresses

Part of the earlier break that went with 84 kilometres to go, then almost making the decisive eight-man split that went the second time over the Kemmelberg with around 25 kilometres remaining, 20 year-old Team CSC neo-pro Matti Breschel has already proven his worth as a rider for the future after his performance in yesterday's Gent-Wevelgem.

"After the final descent of the Kemmelberg, I had to hit the breaks because Jaan Kirsipuu suddenly moved to the side when I was on his wheel. I felt strong enough to keep up with the leaders, but by then it was too late," said Breschel on team CSC's website, www.team-csc.com. "Now I've tried to be among the best in a ProTour race, and hopefully I'll get another shot sometime soon."

Added CSC directeur-sportif Alain Gallopin: "I think we did a good race. We were up there in the decisive phases of the race, but unfortunately we didn't get a top result for our efforts.

"The initial lead group with Lars Michaelsen and Matti Breschel could have been decisive, but Quick.Step wasn't able to control the group, even though they had six riders there. Matti really made an impressive performance, and showed his big potential for this kind of race. In general, I think things look good ahead of Sunday's Paris-Roubaix."