Garmin-Sharp’s Dan Martin wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Ireland's Dan Martin is celebrating after winning the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Classic on Sunday. Team Garmin-Sharp played the race perfectly, with Ryder Hesjedal attacking late to set-up Dan Martin who rode a tactically perfect final kilometer for the win.

“We had a plan similar to Fleche with Ryder and Dan as our team leaders,” said Sports director Johnny Weltz.
“As a group went off the front early we thought it would suit us well. Several teams picked up the chase but we didn’t want to move too early as the wind in the race today made it less vital and less stressfull.”

“Once the break was caught very far from the finish the attacks started and we were up there. Michel Kreder brought back a dangerous group and from there it went fast to the second-to-last climb.”

“There we had a plan with Ryder to attack; and he certainly did causing a lot of damage! He was on the front with 5 of the strongest riders in the field but they didn’t work with him, so he just attacked them and stayed away to the last 3 km.”

“Finally he was joined by a small group of strong riders that Dan was in as well. Dan could sit all the way to the final kilometer and benefit fofromr an amazing ride by Ryder who paved the way for Dan who finished it off with a great sprint.”

“The whole team road fantastic today and Dan thanked them all by taking the win.”