The Belgian talked about his unforgettable appearance at the Corsa Rosa.
“It goes without saying that this year’s Giro d’Italia was my finest outing in a Grand Tour. I came at the start after an excellent first couple of months, with victories in Saudi Arabia, UAE, but also in the Belgian Classics, so the confidence was there. Knowing I had a great team around me, that included the likes of Julian and Bert, was an important morale-boost, and I knew that I was more than capable of fighting for at least a stage victory.
Winning the first bunch sprint of the race, in Fossano, after a hard finale, showed me that I am at the level needed to be up there in all the flat stages, so from then on, it was all about carrying the momentum. I know that it was Soudal Quick-Step’s 30th win at the Giro, and that was a nice bonus, everything being made even more special by the fact my family was present at the finish. At the same time, it was an emotional victory, because as I was crossing the line I began thinking of Wouter Weylandt, who we still continue to miss after all these years.
What gave me great joy, besides the stage victories there, was the fact that I had the legs to fight for a success late into the race, as underlined by my win in Padova, which came ahead of the final weekend. It was another hectic day, but I remained calm and confident, even though I had to come around after starting my sprint, and the outcome made me really happy.
Then Rome came, and with it, the perfect ending to an unforgettable Giro d’Italia. It wasn’t my best day, after suffering on the Monte Grappa, but I found the gap I needed at the right moment and sprinted full gas on the cobbles. To finish the race in style, in the shadow of the Colosseum, was amazing and I am proud that I could do it as part of a very special team.”
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
Our road wolves
Tim Merlier 