With an impressive finish in the crowded, center of Agrinio on Harilaou Trikoupi Street and triumphant Matteo Mosquetti of Q36.5 Pro Cycling completed the first fascinating place of this year’s PPC Tour of Hellas 2025. The famous Dutchman Dylan Khrhouvegen of Jayco Alula and temporarily took the blue jersey of the race, but also that of the points, as the first place in the dump was rewarded with 15 points.
The 28 -year -old Mosquetti, who had a serious accident in July 2024, on his return to our country, gave his mark on the start of the most quality round of Greece from the revival of the institution in 2024, in a first submerged sprint in the last (uphill) straight line.
The second 177.50km distance will start tomorrow (April 3) from Agrinio and the finish will be in Arachova.
The evolution of the race
This first part of our national cycling race, about 140 kilometers, started at 1 noon from the University of Patras and with unstable weather.
Before the timer began, the 118 cyclists had an impressive crossing from the Rio -Antirrio Bridge, which stole the show in the instant!
From the first kilometers of the race, a group of seven cyclists were removed from the pelvis and claimed the points in the straight and climb sprints.
These were George Radclifis, Daniel Mraz Elkov – Kasper, Evaut De Kaiser (Tarteletto – Isorex), Konrad Champ Valkenburg) and Anton Lenan (Bikeaid).
The amount was the winner in the first sprint straight in Mesolongi and got the three points. He was followed by de Kaiser and Mraz, who scored two and one point respectively.
The second sprint, at the entrance of Astakos, was won by Champke and followed by Mraz reached four points and the amount.
In the meantime, the difference from the peloton was just over a minute with Jayco Alula cyclists controlling the race and XDS Astana watching closely, as did the Q36.5 Pro Cycling. It was obvious that the first winner of the first half would come from these three teams.
With the uphill part of the nightmare starting and with the rain making its appearance, the first to get in touch with the top were Mraz and Lanman. On the way to the unique climb of the day, in the plants, cyclists were obliged to move on a wet road.
The mountain jersey was worn by the British Radcliff, who surprised the remaining four and first crossed the line that marked the end of the sprint, despite the chabkeh’s attempt, which was second, while De Kaiser prevailed. The points given to the climb sprint, Class 3 were 3-2-1.
Shortly after the Acheloos Bridge, Peloton gained visual contact with the leaders. De Kaiser and Radcliff were the last to resist until the others were “swallowed” at 5.6 kilometers from the end.
About a kilometer later there was a fall of many cyclists, fortunately without injuries.
Passing the last roundabout about 25-30 cyclists entered the final sprint. The big name of this year’s round, Dylan Khrounevenen took head a few meters before the end, but with Matteo Mosquetti stuck in his rear wheel. The Italian came out of the internal, overtaken the Dutch champion and won the first half of this year’s match, but also the lead in points. However, in tomorrow’s second -hand jersey, the XDS Astana, who was third in the dump, will wear a jersey, after Khrounevenen’s time champion of his country.
The Youth jersey was temporarily won by Belgian Matis Avode (Parkhotel Valkenburg), sixth on the night. Excellent appearance by the Greek Nikiforos Arvanitou, who crossed the 11th finish line.
The statements of the protagonists
Mateo Mosquet: “I’m very happy. The whole team worked very well. The goal was to win the dump, so we are very pleased. Our team is very strong and it is important to start with the two jerseys. It is always very pleasant to start a round by winning the first first. ”
George Radcliff: I’m very happy about the mountain jersey. It is the first jersey I win in a race, so I am very pleased to have been here in Greece, a wonderful country. The route was very beautiful. In an climb, I returned, even for a few seconds, to look and enjoy the view. ”
Nikiforos Arvanitou: “It became a very good, teamwork. We were in a very good position in the last kilometers, but also throughout the race, on a wonderful route, but in the end the road was narrow. We went in the last turns ahead, but we were locked. We also sprinkled and did everything we could. There is a little disappointment, because I wanted to get the young man’s jersey and I am in third place in the class. We hope for something better then. ”
Matthew Avods: “It was a wonderful day for me. The last 20 kilometers have been really very difficult, but the team reacted properly and I am proud of my romans. We have a very good team and we are confident in very strong teams. “
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
