Development Liam Van Bylen motivated for his last race of the season

“Paris-Tours U23 is my last race of the season, it’s a big race with a lot of big teams at the start. We will see how I feel, but I’m really looking forward to it. I think the course suits me, of course you need some luck with the gravel sections. I don’t have any experience on gravel though. The first 100 kilometers aren’t that special, but then with 70 kilometers to go the gravel sections start with some steep parts in it. I will still look into the course closely during the briefing.”

“We are here with four riders, I don’t think we will have to carry the race so I don’t see a problem in it. We can keep ourselves calm in the beginning of the race and then with the first gravel section the positioning will be important. My feeling is still good, I hope to have strong legs again tomorrow.”

First season with Lotto Dstny Devo Team

“I didn’t expect to have 6 victories this season so far, maybe I hoped to win a bigger one as well but maybe tomorrow that can still come. And if not, then I’m still happy. My first victory was the most special one, the Zuidkempense Pijl. New team, new teammates and winning for the first time after the winter, it was a special one. I learned a lot during my first season with the Lotto Dstny Devo Team: I got a bigger engine, feeling fresh after long races and reading the race better. I did some races with the pros, which is also a big advantage. I’m super happy here in the team, I get along really well with my teammates and when the team rides for me in a race I really want to show them appreciation.”

“After Paris-Tours I will take three weeks off the bike. The first week that will work, but then I think I will start doing some sports. In December I will go to Spain for two weeks to train in good conditions for the next season. I hope to grow further next year on all parts of cycling.”

Pictures: Brecht Steenhouwer