Taking place on the Formula 1 circuit in Albert Park, this year Towards Zero Race Melbourne presented a new format with a team and sprint classification win up for grabs. Riders contested intermediate sprints collecting points for their teams, with an additional sprint jersey for the individual who had collected the most points overall.
The race took place over fourteen 5.3 kilometre laps, with the action hot from the gun as a stream of constant attacks were launched in the opening laps. Team Sunweb worked to keep the bunch together, to allow both Max Walscheid and Cees Bol to mop up points for the sprint and team classification.
On the last lap two riders went on the attack once again, with a split forming as a result of the chase. Initially missing the group, Cees took Max in his wheel across to the leading group.
Next up in Australia is the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, check out Team Sunweb’s line-up and pre-race reactions here.