ProTeam Arnaud De Lie sprints to an impressive fourth place in In Flanders Fields

“Ah, what a relief. I’m happy with this fourth place,” sighed Arnaud De Lie. He started in Middelkerke with some doubts, as he had barely been able to train after Denain. “Eight hours in a week and two days. I felt tired and didn’t really know what to expect today. I’m completely empty now, this race was already 240 kilometers and it didn’t need to be any longer (laughs). But honestly, I really enjoyed it.”

There was plenty of tension in Wevelgem, as it was only at the very last moment that the race came back together, giving the sprinters a chance. “After a race like that, it’s a sprint for the strong riders. I didn’t have much left. I feel like I’m still missing a bit to be at my very best, but this is encouraging- especially after all the bad luck I’ve had in recent spring seasons and races. At the start of the race I had a small issue with my wheel, but after that everything went smoothly and I was always well positioned at the front. That really means a lot to me, because I truly love this race. So I’m really happy that I could finally show what I’m capable of.”

Jenno Berckmoes once again claimed a solid result in the WorldTour in Wevelgem. After finishing eleventh in Milan–San Remo, he also finished eleventh again in In Flanders Fields.

Picture: Cyclingmedia_agency