Ciolek second on first stage in Luxembourg MyZA

Gerald Ciolek (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Team MTN-Qhubeka made its mark on the first stage of the five-day Skoda Tour of Luxembourg on Thursday, with Gerald Ciolek finishing second after team-mate Jay Thomson spent most of the stage in a breakaway.

Ciolek challenged in the mass sprint in bad weather conditions in Hautcharge, and was beaten only by Alexander Porsev (Katusha).

Thomson showed the colors of the African Professional Continental team in a long escape, finishing off with a solo effort that saw him caught with only 33km to go.

“We saw a great race from our guys today. Our plan worked out,” said sports director Jens Zemke.

“We absolutely wanted to be in the day’s break group. Jay put in a fantastic performance and impressively represented our team, despite the horrible weather conditions, with rain and cold.

“And with Gerald’s second place we can also be satisfied. Our chances are good and in the next few days we will continue to try to shape the race.”

Jimmy Engoulvent (Sojasun) retained his overall lead, after his performance in Wednesday’s prologue ahead of Danny Van Poppel (Vacansoleil-DCM) and Jonathan Hivert (Sojasun).

Jaco Venter is still the best MTN-Qhubeka rider, in 30th place, with Gerald Ciolek 39th overall.

Friday’s second stage again features six climbs on the 173.1km stetch between Schifflange and Walferdange, but a mass sprint is again expected. The race ends on Sunday.