Development Double podium for our team in Ronde van Vlaams-Brabant

Right from the start, it was clear that the riders were eager to animate the race. Early attacks came quickly, but our riders remained composed, effectively managing the pace and keeping control of the peloton. Victor Vaneeckhoutte played a key role by joining the breakaway and later going solo into the final lap.

"As the race progressed, it became evident that the outcome would hinge on a mass sprint", sports director Grace Verbeke explains. "With only 800 meters to go, our team positioned five riders at the front for the leadout. Thibaut (Bernard) held the pace impressively deep into the finale, then Milan (De Ceuster) took over to launch Mathieu (Kockelmann) perfectly for the sprint. Thomas (Vuerinckx) also powered through to secure the second place". 

"The team showed again very strong work today as we could maintain control throughout the whole race. It normally was not the plan to win with me. I was supposed to be the last man to launch Tomas (Vuerinckx). After the hard work done by Thibaut  (Bernard) and Milan (De Ceuster) it was up to me but I was a bit too motivated and the finish line came a bit too early. So I am very thankful that we still got that 1-2 podium", Mathieu Kockelmann says happily.

This outstanding team performance not only secured a 1-2 finish on stage 3, but also helped Milan De Ceuster maintain his sixth position in the general classification, just 11 seconds off the leader. With a time trial scheduled for the morning and another stage to follow in the afternoon, the race is far from over. Everything is still to play for.

Picture: PhotoNews