Development Tars Poelvoorde claims Internatie in Reningelst with impressive solo victory

Poelvoorde animated the race from the very beginning. The Lotto-Groupe Wanty rider joined the early breakaway, which remained at the front throughout the race. Even after the leading group grew larger midway through the race, the team stayed in an excellent position with several riders represented at the front. "I was really motivated today and wanted to race aggressively from the start. Six of us got away in the opening lap and we rode a very fast first hour. Later, two more groups joined us, so we were eighteen riders at the front, including five from our team."

The race was decided in the closing kilometres. With five kilometres to go, Poelvoorde launched another attack, this time successfully. "I wasn't completely confident about my sprint. I'd already tried to attack twice, but with five kilometres to go I finally managed to get away. I attacked just before a technical corner on a twisting section of the course. After that, I never looked back and went all the way to the finish."

The victory means a great deal to the West Flemish rider, who has gone through a difficult period in recent months. "I'm really happy to raise my arms again and continue the good momentum of the past few weeks. After the passing of my father and an injury, I've had a tough time, but in the end I came out of that dark period even stronger. Now I'm looking forward with confidence to the Belgian Championships in Huldenberg and the Tour of Flemish Brabant, where I hope to make my mark once again."

Photo: Senne Bral