Soudal Quick-Step’s future rider won in his hometown after another impressive display.
The victories keep on coming for Warre Vangheluwe. Four weeks after Hel van Voerendaal, where he captured his third success for the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 22-year-old Belgian won Omloop Mandel, which finished in his hometown of Meulebeke.
The 168km route was flat, but the wind ended up playing an important role and shaping the race. As a result, a group of around fifteen riders entered the final kilometers, and everything pointed to a reduced sprint. But Warre had different plans, and sensing an opportunity, he attacked under the flamme rouge, only Lionel Taminiaux (Alpecin-Deceuninck) being capable of responding. In the closing meters, the young Belgian – who will turn pro with the Wolfpack in 2024 – had the upper hand and outsprinted his companion for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team’s 24th victory of the season.
“I am very happy with this victory. It’s a team win, and the fact that it came in my home town makes everything even more special, it gives me a great feeling. I felt good today, so I attacked hoping I could make the difference. I am glad with the way things panned out in the finale”, said Warre, who was joined on the podium by teammate Andrea Raccagni, third in Meulebeke.
Photo credit: ©Martine Verfaillie
