Belgium’s, Johan Museeuw captured this weekend’s HEW Classic in Hamburg, and in doing so extended his lead in the World Cup to nearly 100 points. The 36 year old out sprinted a lead group of ten riders after receiving a meticulous lead-out from team-mate Romans Vainstains.

It was the Domo rider’s 11 World Cup win in an illustrious career that includes success in Paris Roubaix, the Amstel Gold Race and the World Championships in 1996.

The race was supposed to be a battle between Tour de France sprint kings, Robbie McEwen and Erik Zabel. However, the Aussie crashed out during the opening kilometres, while the Telekom rider punctured and was unable to regain contact with the leaders.

The race sparked to life when David Rebellin and Igor Astarlosa broke clear with ten kilometres still to race. They were quickly joined by eight others including Museeuw and his nearest rival in the World Cup race Paulo Bettini (Mapei), George Hincapie (US Postal), Danilo Di Luca (Saeco), and Fabio Baldato (Fasso Bortolo).

But in the closing kilometre Vainstains proved the perfect team mate and led his captain to the finish for an easy victory over Astarloa and Rebellin.

Next weekend sees the riders tackle the San Sebastian round of the World Cup in Spain.

Results – 253 km

1 Johan Museeuw (Bel) Domo-Farm Frites

2 Igor Astarloa (Spa) Saeco Longoni Sport

3 Davide Rebellin (Ita) Gerolsteiner

4 Paolo Bettini (Ita) Mapei-Quick Step

5 George Hincapie (USA) US Postal Service all same time