ProTeam Arnaud De Lie on fire: now also victorious in the Bretagne Classic

“I’m living in a dream, enjoying every single moment.” A broad smile and a visibly delighted Arnaud De Lie at the finish line in Plouay. Once again, success for the leader of the Lotto Cycling Team. After winning the Renewi Tour, taking second place in Hamburg, and earning several other podium finishes, De Lie is clearly in top form again, this time with a victory in Plouay. “This is really a crazy season finale for me,” he laughs.

A late attack by four riders briefly threatened to spoil the sprinters’ party in Brittany, but under the red kite of the final kilometer, the quartet was reeled in by the peloton. Olav Kooij (Visma–Lease a Bike) launched his sprint early, but Arnaud De Lie powered past him with an exceptionally strong finish to claim the win. “It’s always a tough sprint here, but today the timing was just perfect,” he said. “My teammates did a fantastic job. I’m very happy to win here. This is one of my favorite races on the calendar.

In previous years, I always raced aggressively here, but today I had to be smart: follow on the climbs and leave the tactical decisions in the finale to Jenno Berckmoes. That worked out perfectly. I’m just really, really happy.”

Picture: PhotoNews