Update from the Three Days of De Panne

The Three Days of De Panne started today with the 169 riders racing over 198 kilometers from Middlekerke to Oudenaarde. Day two features the 214 kilometer stage from Zottegem to Sint Idesbald. The final day features a day of racing in and around De Panne, with a 112 kilometer stage in the morning and a 14.5 kilometer time trial in the afternoon.

Today’s stage was won by Steve Chainel (BBOX Bouygues Telecom). Svein Tuft (Garmin-Transitions) is the lone Canadian in the race and his efforts are focused on working for David Millar and Tyler Farrar.

Tuft, took a few minutes after racing to answer a few questions.

How did today’s first stage go?
Today was good day for the team. Dave Millar had a good ride and set himself up nicely for the final day time trial. I on the other hand had some bad luck crashing coming into the circuits before the climb. Rode in with the grupetto.

What were your expectations going in?
My expectation with De Panne is that anything can happen at De Panne. It seems to be one of those races where the general classification can be shaken up at anytime. I was looking to jump in a move and get up the road for the time trial. But that didn’t pan out. The weather is always a little dicey and there are many crashes. It’s a bit of a war at this race.

What is your role for this race?
My role for the race is to look after David and Tyler now. Tomorrow there is a lot of wind expected and I think we’ll be riding the front to support Dave’s general classification position.

How do you like the racing in Flanders?
The racing in Flanders is always pretty difficult I find. The hills are not so big but the pace over them is unreal. Feels like a 2 kilometer sprint over and over again, and as I said before the weather can always make things interesting. The Belgian fans are like none other and its pretty special to take apart in these classics.

How is your season in general going?
My season has been good so far. I’ve been working hard for the team and I’m pretty happy with that.

What’s next for you after this stage race?
My next races will be Tour of Flanders, Grote Scheldeprijs, and Paris-Roubaix.