Though Slipstream/Chipotle’s squad in France might have thought they were steering clear of the ugly conditions that typify Flanders, today was a completely different story. The riders in Rennes faced rain, cold, snow, hail and ice and the race saw an unusual number of abandons.

As the frozen (”frigorifié” in French) peloton continued to dwindle, the Argyle persisted in chasing the various breakaways. It was Chris Sutton who managed to stick with the front chase group for the finale. The young Australian sprinter finished a solid 12th place, just 4″ behind the Ukranian race winner.

Check out Christophe Laurent’s French take on what he called “un temps d’apocalypse“!

Slipstream results
1. Mikhaylo Khalilov 4:41′27″

12. Chris Sutton +4″
32. Christophe Laurent
37. Pat McCarty
47. Lucas Euser