Wegmann goes too early in Brabantse Pijl

German Champion Fabian Wegmann under-calculated the distance to victory in Sunday's Belgian Classic, Brabantse Pijl. The Milram rider finished third behind Anthony Geslin (Française des Jeux) and Jérôme Pineau (Quick Step).

"I am disappointed, we were so close!" said Wegmann in a press release. "We rode well the whole race and also in the finale, which was a really strong team performance. I sprinted at 250 meters in the optimal position but it turned out to be 30 meters too early."

Wegmann's teammate Christian Knees led the eight-man escape group in to the finale. Wegmann, at the back, attacked down the right hand side of the road. The French duo were able to bring him back just before the line.

"I would still like to thank the whole team, even if I would rather have thanked them with a win."

Wegmann finished second in Eroica Toscana three weeks ago. He won the German Championships and the GP Miguel Indurain in 2008.