Good Start To Challenge Mallorca For Stradalli-Bike Aid

The start of the Challenge Mallorca went great for the Stradalli-Bike Aid team. French rider Damian hopped in the first breakaway of the day and rode strongly, but the peloton was not happy with that breakaway combination. They were immediately pulled back and the attacks started again. Stradalli-Bike Aid rider Daniel Bichlmann was in the third breakaway and seemed to have a chance to stay away before Lotto Soudal and Team Sky changed that.

On the final hill Team Sky and Lotto Soudal set a relentless pace at the front of the peloton to set up the finale. Soudal protected Andre Greipel in the final push which set him up for the sprint win with a lead out train. Sam Bennett of Bora – Argon 18 and Edvald Boasson Hagen of Team Dimension Data rounded out the podium for a great day of competitive racing.

Tom Steinbacher, CEO of Stradalli Cycle, said he couldn’t be happier with how the team has performed in Mallorca thus far.

“We were competitive all day long. It was great to see the Stradalli-Bike Aid team stay competitive against some of the best teams in the world. It's not easy when you are going against teams like Movistar and Team Sky but we definitely held our own."

Being around impressive teams and talented riders is certainly an experience the Stradalli-Bike Aid riders are not taking for granted. Dominik Merseburg, the 24-year old first year pro is taking in as much as he can at Mallorca.

"It's pretty cool to ride next to Cancellara, Greipel and Wiggins. When you see them on the road you realize how amazing an opportunity you have in front of you and it's very humbling. I'm also very grateful for this awesome teammates I have, I couldn't ask for a better team."

The racing in Mallorca continues tomorrow with the 162.6 kilometer (101 miles) Trofeo Pollenca – Port de Andratx.