Morkov wins Challenge Sprint Pro

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Michael Morkov (Saxobank-SunGard) proved the fastest in a hotly contested final of the Challenge Sprint Pro, ousting Enrique Sanz (Movistar) and Simon Clarke (Astana) on the 1 kilometre course. Sanz led the quartet around the final lap of the course, but Morkov jumped in the final 150 metres to come past the Spaniard and take the victory.

The Dane, who did his apprenticeship to road cycling with a number of years on the Track, was perfectly suited to the 'drag-race' style. Morkov won every one of his heats before taking the final in convincing fashion, despite the presence of Tour de France stage winner, Robert Hunter (RadioShack).

"I was certainly worried about Robbie. I have a lot of respect for his sprint," Morkov said. "It was pretty cool. I was happy when I had the invitation to race here. I have a good track background that’s why it turned out so good."

The Challenge Sprint Canada, the prize awarded to the best Canadian rider in the competition went to Quebec’s Rémi Pelletier-Roy, who managed to scrape through to the semi-finals after having fought five hard sprints within two hours.

"I’m very happy in any case. I gave it my all but the legs were starting to burn [toward the end]."

The Challenge Sprint Pro and the Challenge Sprint Canada are part of the lead-up to the Canadian WorldTour events, Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal.