Development Six out of six for Lotto-Groupe Wanty: De Keersmaeker wins final stage, Poelvoorde claims overall victory

Just like on the previous days, Lotto-Groupe Wanty started the stage with a clear race plan. "We had the same plan as before: to control the race, but we also knew it would be much harder today. At the beginning of the race, everything went perfectly until other teams, with different objectives, changed the dynamics of the race and we had to improvise," said De Keersmaeker.

The decisive move came with 50 kilometres to go. "A group of 21 riders got away on a short climb, including Tars, Tuur and myself. We quickly managed to open up a significant gap. Towards the finish, I stayed a bit in the background so I could fully focus on the sprint." Once again, his teammates delivered a perfect lead-out. "Tars and Tuur guided me perfectly into the final corner, after which I was able to sprint to victory once again by a few bike lengths."

De Keersmaeker looked back with satisfaction on an exceptional week. "I don't think we could have dreamed beforehand of winning all six stages, and personally taking four of them. I'm enjoying this immensely, especially because we achieved it thanks to such a close-knit team that's willing to give everything for one another. At the same time, we have to stay grounded. I know results like this don't happen very often, so I have to keep working hard."

Overall winner Tars Poelvoorde was equally pleased with his week. "I'm very happy with this victory. Last year I helped Milan De Ceuster win the overall classification, so it makes it even more special to win it myself this time. I felt very strong throughout the past five days and, as a team, we were never really in trouble. My form has been better than ever in recent weeks, and I hope to carry this momentum through the rest of the season."

Photo: cyclingbuzz2.0