0
Profile

Tars Poelvoorde claims emotional first professional victory in Ruddervoorde

Tars Poelvoorde won the Sint-Elooisprijs in Ruddervoorde yesterday. The West Flemish rider capped off a strong team performance with a decisive solo attack, securing the first professional victory of his career. “I’ve been racing with my father in my thoughts for quite some time. Today, I finally managed to honour him in the way I wanted.”
Race 25 June 2026
Previous Next

In tropical conditions, Lotto-Intermarché animated the race from start to finish. The team rode attentively and maintained a numerical advantage in the finale. With just a few kilometres remaining, Poelvoorde launched his winning move. “We had three riders in the leading group and we all felt strong. At one point, Lionel Taminiaux got away with Cériel Desal. When another rider tried to bridge across to them, I followed. As soon as we made contact, I immediately pushed on. Everyone was on their limit and nobody could respond straight away. In the end, that was enough.”

With teammates controlling the pace behind him, Poelvoorde rode unchallenged to victory. Lotto-Intermarché completed its success with a second place for Lionel Taminiaux, who won the sprint of the chasing group. Taco van der Hoorn finished sixth, giving the team three riders in the top six.

The victory carries extra significance for Poelvoorde following the passing of his father at the end of last year. "Yes, I'm really happy with this. I've wanted to honour him in this way for quite some time. The fact that it finally happened today makes this victory very special."

For Poelvoorde, the win is a reward after several podium and near-podium finishes in recent years. “This type of race suits me well. I’ve come close a few times before, but today all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place.”

 

Photo: Bart Vandenbroucke