He won the stage to Geraardsbergen last year, so Arnaud De Lie was determined to repeat that performance this year. That planned scenario seemed to be on track for a long time, with a thrilling finale in which De Lie, together with Mathieu Van der Poel and Tim Wellens, took center stage. It wasn’t until the Vesten that Arnaud De Lie had to concede in the sprint against Van der Poel. “A victory is always better, of course, but I was up against two champions, two big engines... I went all out in the last lap. My heart rate was through the roof,” De Lie said. “Nikolas (Maes, team director, ed.) told me through my earpiece that I had to start thinking about my sprint. I knew I had to stay calm until the first time up the Muur. I tried to make it difficult for the other two and play it smart, but I just didn’t have the freshness left to do that.”
“The goal today was to jump for the win, and I did that. In the end, I was too far back, I realize that. But against Mathieu Van der Poel, it’s always difficult. This was the maximum achievable. The good feeling after the Tour is still there, my legs feel great, and I rode a beautiful race.”
De Lie also takes the lead in the general classification. He now has a 1-second advantage over Van der Poel. “Since the first stage, I’ve genuinely felt good. One second isn’t much, but it could be enough. There are still two tough stages to come. Tomorrow and in Leuven, I need to pick up some bonus seconds. I know Sunday’s course- it’s really tough- but we’ll do everything we can to defend that jersey.”
