Van Hummel claims Curaçao curtain raiser

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Dutch Kenny van Hummel claimed the Jan Thiel criterium in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles on Thursday night. In a warm up for Saturday's Amstel Curaçao race, the Skil-Shimano rider proved himself the fastest to take victory ahead of compatriot Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) and Brice Feillu (Agritubel).

The trio made up a field of sixty local riders that had come out to take on the European professionals in the one hour criterium. Hoogerland had controlled the pace for much of the race.

With five laps to go, Van Hummel, Hoogerland and Feillu detached themselves from the remainder of the field to claim the first three positions.