Development Tars Poelvoorde fourth in epic Paris-Tours Espoirs

“It was a hard race with the weather conditions. It rained nearly all day which made the gravel sections really muddy", Tars Poelvoorde explained after the race. "After 40 kilometers, I went in the early breakaway which was the right move. We were in the front with 12 riders and quickly gained three minutes, so I knew we had a good shot at the victory today. I suffered a little bit on the steep climbs, but on the gravel sections I could come back. In the end we remained with 8 guys, the winner Antoine L'Hote escaped on the last climb where nobody could follow and in the last two kilometers another rider attacked. I sprinted for the third podium spot with someone else, but I got beaten, in the end I’m still very satisfied.”

“It’s nice to confirm my form after last week’s second spot in Zwevezele. It’s a big race here so I’m happy. I still do the Veneto races with the pros, but this was my last race with the Devo Team. I’m looking back satisfied on my season. I worked a lot for the team in the beginning of the season, but I really took another step and now I feel like I’m able to compete even in these big races.”

Picture: Brecht Steenhouwer