Alexander Wetterhall wins the Ronde van Drenthe

Press Releases | 09.03.2013

Alexander Wetterhall secured the first win of the season for Team NetApp – Endura in the Albert Achterhes Pet Ronde van Drenthe. The 26-year-old Swede broke away from a leading group more than 30 kilometers before the finish and rode solo to his victory as if it were a time trial. Team colleagues Markus Eichler and Andreas Schillinger filled the other two places on the podium for NetApp – Endura, taking second and third in the traditional Dutch race.

"That was probably the perfect race for us. It was awesome – I've rarely experienced anything like it. The whole team was extremely good. The boys were always out in front and they stamped their seal on the race. The solo ride from Alex in typical classic weather is of course fantastic. It doesn't get any better," said a delighted Jens Heppner, Sport Director of Team NetApp – Endura after the race.

“I still haven’t realized that I won. I am so happy and of course I am pleased that we filled all spots on the podium as a Team”, says race winner Alexander Wetterhall.

In pouring rain and at temperatures around freezing, Team NetApp – Endura remained alert from the outset as they rode through the Dutch region of Drenthe in the 196-kilometer race. Andreas Schillinger was already in the first leading group when Markus Eichler and Alex Wetterhall moved up together into the next group. 30 kilometers before the finish Wetterhall broke away from the 12-man leading group and extended his lead to up to 50 seconds. Team colleague Eichler routinely countered the attacks of the pursuers and followed the only rider who could still contest the team's victory on the day. Schillinger, who had actually already fallen back, fought his way forward again and closed up on the duo around Eichler just before the finish. Wetterhall held his lead of 46 seconds across the finish line and his team colleagues sprinted onto the podium. 

 

Website Ronde van Drenthe

ResultsAlbert Achterhes Pet Ronde van Drenthe
1.
Wetterhall, Alexander
TNE
2.
Eichler, Markus
TNE
3.
Schillinger, Andreas
TNE
23.
Jarc, Blaz
TNE
DNF.
Downing, Russell
TNE
DNF.
Kluge, Roger
TNE
DNF.
Schwarzmann, Michael
TNE
DNF.
Thwaites, Scott
TNE