Batirov last hope P23 for Bahrain SPORTS 2424 Monday, September 25, 2017 Bergen season, I’m very happy.” and Kristoff didn’t have the strength to lovakia’s Peter Sagan Sagan had revealed on Saturday that hold him off. pipped Norway’s his preparation for the race had been SAlexander Kristoff in a disrupted by “sickness” and that he wasn’t ‘Unbelievable’ photo-finish to win a at his best. Sagan admitted that he thought historic third straight He had hardly been seen throughout Alaphilippe, who looked hugely impressive world title in Bergen the 267.5km race but was part of the small when he attacked, leaving the likes of yesterday. group that made it to the final kilometre to Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet Sagan emerged out contest the sprint finish. and former world champion Philippe of the final corner in And in winning he Gilbert in his wake, might stay away. the perfect position joined a select group o f “It’s not easy guys, in the last 5km I on Kristoff’s shoulder riders, including Belgian said already it’s done, he (Alaphilippe) and just had enough legend Eddy Merckx as has gone,” said Sagan. to edge past the three-time world champions, “After, guys were changing home favourite as and the first to do so in in front, after I tried to go in a Australia’s Michael successive years. breakaway, after (Fernando) Gaviria Matthews took “It’s something special, for sure it tried to close (the gap) and after it third. doesn’t change anything, but for me it’s came for a sprint -- it’s unbelievable!” After his win, something very nice,” he added. Despite his disappointment in Sagan dedicated his Despite the length of the race it was missing out on becoming the second victory to Italian only in the final 15km that a significant ever Norwegian world champion, Michele Scarponi, break was made that threatened to go all Kristoff flashed Sagan a wry smile as who died in April the way to the line. he shook his hand. following a crash Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe “He (Kristoff) is with a van near his attacked on the final ascent of Salmon racing at home in Italy -- he Hill, the one climb on the 19km street home, would have turned 38 circuit the peloton tackled 12 times. I’m sorry on Monday. Only Italian Gianni Moscon could but I’m “I want to follow him but was then dropped with very dedicate this third 4.5km left. Alaphilippe couldn’t hold on, happy world title first to though, and coming into the final few to win Michele Scarponi bends a select group of 26 riders was there again!” because he has his to fight for victory. said birthday tomorrow. I’m Only now did Sagan make his move Sagan. very sorry this year, I want to wish (AFP) luck to his family. “And secondly I want to dedicate World championship this victory to my wife, she’s expecting results: a baby. It’s a very nice finish to this Results from the 267.5km road race: Stage 1. Peter Sagan (SVK) 6hr 28min 11sec 2. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) same time 3. Michael Matthews (AUS) s.t. 4. Matteo Trentin (ITA) s.t. 5. Ben Swift (GBR) s.t. 6. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) s.t. 7. Michael Albasini (SUI) s.t. Slovak Peter Sagan competes 8. Fernando Gaviria (COL) s.t. Gold medallist Sagan celebrates 9. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) s.t. on the podium 10. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) s.t. Sagan takes third straight world title Hon.Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Responsible Editor Mahmood AI Mahmood | Managing Editor Soman Baby | Managing Director P. Unnikrishnan | Adviser Med Jones Advt : Strategic Publicity & Advertising Co.W.L.L | Tel: 17270710, Fax17256470, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 17579911, Fax17250150, Email: [email protected] Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing | Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877/Fax17250150, Email:[email protected] | Website: www.dt.bh.