Van Emden blazes to Ster Elektrotoer prologue win

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Jos van Emden led a Rabobank assault on the prologue of the Ster Elektrotoer, winning on the 6.8 km course in a time of 7.42 minutes. The Dutch team took five of the top eight spots, with Lars Boom second, at three seconds, and Sebastian Langeveld third at seven seconds.

It was Van Emden's second pro victory, with his first coming last Friday in the prologue of the Delta Pro Tour, in which he finished second overall.

Alex Rasmussen of Saxo Bank was fourth, the first non-Dutch and non-Rabobank rider in the rankings. He finished 10 seconds slower.

HTC-Columbia placed two riders in the top ten, Marco Pinotti sixth at 10 seconds and sprinter Andre Greipel ninth, 15 seconds down.

"It may sound crazy, but it is really not all that surprising that Jos did so well, " said Rabobank directeur sportif Erik Dekker. "He has made a tremendous step forward."

Van Emden had the opposite reaction. "For me, this is a surprise. In less than a week I have my first two pro wins," he told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "I am extremely happy with this win, because the other participants in the Elektrotoer are certainly good."

The 25-year-old does not anticipate wearing the leader's jersey until the end of the race. "There are still some tough stages. As a team, we fortunately have some other irons in the fire, so the chances are there for sure."

"Jos is in good form from the Giro. I'm building towards the Tour de France," said second-placed Boom. "That I was second here shows that I am on track. I hope to take some big steps the next few days to help fight for the win, and to do will in the upcoming challenges."

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