Flanders crash leaves Naesen 'with something to cry about'

It’s not just a bike race. Oliver Naesen (AG2R La Mondiale) crossed the finish line of the Tour of Flanders in 23rd place, 2:32 behind winner Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors), but he should have had more, could have had much more, and he made no attempt to soften or disguise his disappointment.

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Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is an NCTJ-trained journalist, and former deputy editor of Cyclingnews, who has seven years’ experience covering professional cycling. He has a modern languages degree from Durham University and has been able to put it to some use in what is a multi-lingual sport, with a particular focus on French and Spanish-speaking riders. Away from cycling, Patrick spends most of his time playing or watching other forms of sport - football, tennis, trail running, darts, to name a few, but he draws the line at rugby.