The one-day Paris-Bourges took place on Thursday in France and proved to be a good late-season race for Team KATUSHA’s Aleksandr Porsev, who sprinted in for second place on the 190,3 km course from Gien to Bourges in the 66-th edition of the race.

- Of course, I am a bit disappointed, because the victory was so close. I saw the picture of photo finish and it looks like it was just 1 millimeter between us. Nothing to do. It was a good race for me, I felt pretty well and the team was really strong. My teammates provided me a great support, especially in the end. I thank the team for this. In the final Marco and Jacopo did a great lead-out, we entered the last corner in first position, so I started my sprint when I wanted to do it. I did my best and missed just 1 mm. Anyway, I am looking forward to my next race Paris – Tours and the Worlds, - said Aleksandr Porsev.

- I am very happy with the team and the way our guys did this race. KATUSHA looked strong today. We decided to work for Aleksandr Porsev - he is in a good shape and has proved it today, - said a pleased sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.

With the results having to come from a finish line camera, Porsev was second to Sam Bennett of Bora-Argon 18. Third place was Rudy Barbier of Roubaix Lille Métropole.

- Marco Haller did a strong lead-out with 1 km to go while Jacopo Guarnieri provided Alexander the last wheel. Porsev did a good sprint and in the first moments we though he had won – everything was so close in the final. But the photo finish showed it was Bennett who won the race. We can be happy with this race and this should bring more confidence to Aleksandr before the World Championships, - said sports director Gennady Mikhaylov.

In the last half of the race the peloton split into two parts with a selection of some 50 riders in the front group. Team KATUSHA had five riders represented, making it a good situation for the race final. A break of two riders was finally brought back with 13 km to go, with the teams of the sprinters then preparing for a group sprint. Maxim Belkov and Sergey Lagutin worked hard to protect the position of Porsev before Haller and then Guarnieri took over their sprint-train duties for the finish. Guarnieri’s good work gave him a fifth place finish on the day. 

Photo credit: (c) Jean-Michel Ruscitto/Directvelo.com and stsport.fr