The talented Dane delivered the 50th national title in the history of Deceuninck – Quick-Step.
Kasper Asgreen continued his strong season, claiming a maiden gold medal at the Danish National Time Trial Championships, one week before making his Tour de France debut as part of the strong eight-man Deceuninck – Quick-Step squad that will line out in Brussels.
Fourth last year, Kasper put in a perfect ride in Esbjerg and came close to breaking the sub 46-minute barrier, eventually clocking a winning effort of 46:03, which was more than 20 seconds clear of defending champion Martin Toft Madsen (BHS – Almeborg-Bornholm).
“It was quite a long time trial, but I had a good shape after Suisse and the legs felt good. The first half we had a tailwind and I had to pace myself and not go too hard, before racing full gas in the second part, knowing I could make the difference there. The course was very nice – some big roads where I could lay down the power and some corners that weren’t very technical – and if you knew them, you could take them at full speed”, Kasper explained after notching up Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s 42nd success of 2019.
Asgreen’s first full pro season hasn’t been anything short of exceptional, with the young Dane taking an unexpected runner-up spot at Ronde van Vlaanderen, before climbing to his first victory and a third place overall at the tough Tour of California – results which handed him a Tour de France debut next month.
“It’s a really awesome feeling and I’m extremely proud. In the last three years I was 3rd, 2nd and 4th at the time trial Nationals, so I have been missing that top step and I’m proud that I’m there now. It is really special to take that jersey to France for my first Tour. It’s been a great period, with a strong nine days in Suisse, getting selected for Le Tour and now becoming national champion. I am taking advantage of a great shape at the moment and I hope it continues through the Tour”, concluded Kasper, the first Danish ITT Champion in six years to be present at the Grande Boucle.
Photo credit: ©cyclingphoto.dk
Kasper Asgreen