1st Amstel Jan Thiel Criterium - Curacao
Dutch Sprinter Kenny van Hummel  puts his name at the top of the list in the first Annual Jan Thiel Criterium. Johnny Hoogerland and Brice Feillu podium.

By Patrick Lyons

The first Amstel January Thiel Criterion was won by the Dutch sprinter Kenny van Hummel. In the last hundred meters he proved to have the faster legs in the speed contest at the Zanzibar in front over Johnny Hoogerland with Brice Feillu third and Stefan Vreugdenhil fourth. Local rider Quinten Winkel filled out the top five.

Kenny Van Hummel wins by a wide margin over Johnny Hoogerland.
Photo © 2009 Amstel Curacao

Van Hummel, Hoogerland, Feillu, Alain Van der Velde and 19 year old Stefan Vreugdenhil  of Dutch Continental team, Van Vliet/EBH Elshof were the only pros who took part in the race to prepare for the Amstel Curacao Race on Saturday. Mark Cavendish wasn't present as he is expected to arrive Friday.

The one hour criterium was a big success with 65 riders of all classes taking the start on the up and down course that climbed a hill on the back stretch and then descended to the finish making for fast two minute intervals. Carribean winds plagued the riders along with the expected humidity.

After three circuits the attacks  began with Johnny Hoogerland and Hummel driving the front. After several blistering laps the the pros lifted the pace splitting  the peloton into several groups; but it took the 5 pros until the last 5 laps to escape the chasers with one local rider Quinten Winkel capable of holding on.

van Hummel leads Feillu, Hoogerland and the peloton on the descent.
Photo © 2009 Amstel Curacao

With three laps to go Winkel was dropped as once again the pros went on the attack lapping all but Winkel with two laps to go. Van Hummel timed his sprint perfectly to pass Hoogerland at 100 meters and take the win by six bike lengths.

  Curaçao's Quinten Winkel put in an impressive showing staying with the pro riders to the last laps eventually finishing fifth and best local rider. Patrick Lyons (Amstel) was the best placed USA rider in 18th place.

Frank and Andy Schleck with Alberto Contador spent some time swimming with the Dolphins in Curacao on Thursday. Photo © 2009 Amstel Curacao

After the race the riders joined the after race party Barbecue at the Zanzibar. Today the registration for the race is at Hemingway's followed by a party with Dutch artists Wolter Kroes providing the entertainment at Mambo Beach.

1st Amstel Jan Thiel Criterium Results
1 Kenny van Hummel
2 Johnny Hoogerland
3 Brice Feillu
4 Stefan Vreugdenhil
5 Quinten Winkel
6 Alain van der Velde
7 Robert Gottlieb
8 Mathijs
9 Hillard Cijntje
10 Gerard Buijing
11Alistair Monte
12 Ruiggeri Pinepoe
13 Shannon Isenia
14 Henri de Kok
15 Emiel de Waal
16 Joop van Vliet
17 Rudshandt Andrea
18 Patrick Lyons

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