Mark wanted a fourth, but Marcel claimed a second.
The story of Scheldeprijs 2013 was a tale of two sprinters, each seeking further helpings of glory at the oldest race in Flanders.
Scheldeprijs has been kind to sprinters down the years. Van Poppel, Cipolllini, Zabel, Boonen, and McEwen have all claimed victories in its 106-year history.
This year’s race conformed to type, allowing some of the fastest men in the world to remain in contention for a sprint finish in front of Schoten town hall.
In the end, the sprint fell for Marcel Kittel, depriving Mark Cavendish of his chance to claim Piet Oellibrandt’s 50-year record and with it a first birthday present for daughter, Delilah Grace.
There’s always next year, of course, but the look on Cavendish’s face as he stood on the podium suggested such sentiments would be of little consolation.
Stefano Sirotti was our man with the lens in Flanders.
Even the public art in Flanders takes its lead from cycling
Fabian Cancellara, winner last Sunday of the Ronde Van Vlaanderen, proved a popular figure with the people of Antwerp
Irish national road race champion, Matt Brammeier, rode an aggressive Scheldeprijs
Marcel Kittel punches the air in delight after clinching a second consecutive Scheldeprijs victory
Mark Cavendish looks less delighted with his second place
