Development Keije Solen sprints to second place in Omloop Nieuwsblad U23

As expected, the course produced a tough and nervous race. “On the Berendries, a group of around twenty riders went clear, including five of our riders. That was a perfect situation for us,” Solen reflected after the finish.

A further selection later emerged from that front group, including Victor Vaneeckhoutte and Samuel Greenwell. “That was another ideal scenario because we still had three riders in the group behind. We had the race under control and could play out different tactical options.”

The race situation changed again in the closing stages when two riders broke away without a Lotto-Groupe Wanty rider among them. “We managed to bring almost everything back in the finale, but unfortunately Bart Kortleve stayed just out of reach of the peloton.”

As a result, the battle for the remaining podium places came down to a sprint. Solen produced a strong finish to secure second place. “I just came up short of catching him in the final metres. It’s disappointing to finish second in this way, but we can learn from it. I also received a very good lead-out from my teammates,” Solen said.

Although Lotto-Groupe Wanty’s run of six(!) consecutive victories in the Omloop Nieuwsblad U23 came to an end this year, the team once again played a major role in the race.

Photo: Cyclingmedia_agency