Development Victor Van de Putte delivers third consecutive stage win for Lotto-Groupe Wanty at the Tour de Namur

Lotto-Groupe Wanty took firm control of the race from the start. “Shunsuke Imamura quickly took control of the peloton after the early breakaway had gone up the road and he controlled the first 100 kilometres on his own,” Van de Putte explained after the race. “As we approached the local circuit, Halvor Dolven took over heading into the first key passage over a short, steep cobbled climb. That was where the race really opened up, with a group of around 15 riders getting away, including two riders from our team.”

On the second passage over the same climb, Van de Putte and race leader Mauro Cuylits bridged across to the front group. “Mauro Cuylits and I managed to make the jump together with a few other riders. Unfortunately, Mauro suffered a mechanical issue just as we made the connection.”

“We eventually found ourselves in a group of 25 riders at the front, including four from our team. We stayed attentive and were always represented in every attack. In the end, it came down to a sprint, with Halvor Dolven and Tuur Verbeeck delivering a perfect lead-out. That allowed me to take the win on that difficult finishing straight. I’m extremely happy with this victory after another strong team performance.”

Photo: Alexis Dancerelle