ProTeam Arnaud De Lie eager for a strong second half of the season at Renewi

With Renewi, and for the record also last week’s Franco-Belge and the Cyclassics Hamburg, part two of the season begins for Arnaud De Lie and many other riders. Especially for De Lie, who largely saw the first part of this year pass him by, is determined to end the season on a high note. “There are many opportunities,” he looks ahead.

This year’s Renewi Tour, unlike last year’s edition, has no time trial. Alec Segaert, who claimed his first WorldTour victory there last year, is absent for that reason. He chose the Tour of Denmark instead, where he impressively took fifth place in the general classification. For De Lie, the absence of a time trial is actually good news. “Who knows, maybe I can compete for the GC that way… But first and foremost, I want to try and win a stage, just like last year.”

Last year, De Lie won the stage that finished in Geraardsbergen. That one is back on the program this week, but there are also chances elsewhere. Starting today, between Terneuzen and Breskens. “I expect a lot of wind, anyway. So it will be important to stay alert, race attentively at the front… Who knows, maybe we can sprint with a small group.”

That Arnaud De Lie came out of a tough Tour in strong form, he proved last weekend, and he hopes to show it further this week. “I was disappointed with that second place in Hamburg this weekend (De Lie sprinted fastest from the bunch, but Rory Townsend managed to hold everyone off after the early breakaway, ed.). I already gained a lot of confidence during the Tour, but a result like Hamburg eventually gives you confidence. Franco-Belge, two days earlier, wasn’t bad, but not good enough either. But in Hamburg I did a good sprint after a tough race. I know the legs are there. Now for the results.”

Picture: Brecht Steenhouwer