Dries Devenyns will race in Belgium for the last time, as he prepares to bring to a conclusion his impressive career.
More than twenty climbs, including some old acquaintances – such as the Trieu-Kokteberg – and a punchy uphill finish will contribute to what could be a race of attrition this Thursday, when the peloton lines out for the 82nd edition of the Circuito Franco-Belge.
Soudal Quick-Step has won this event several times, most recent of these victories being that of Fabio Jakobsen, in 2021. Now, the 190.6km course between Tournai and Mont-De-L’enclus is more tailored to the attackers, and the Wolfpack will aim to be among those shaping the race. Kasper Asgreen, Dries Devenyns – who is set to compete on home soil for the last time in his career – Yves Lampaert, Florian Sénéchal, Pieter Serry, Stan Van Tricht and Louis Vervaeke are the seven riders pinning on a number for our penultimate outing of the month.
“It will be quite a special race for Dries, not only because he will compete for the final time in Belgium, but also as the finish will be close to his home. He will be part of a very strong and motivated team, comprising Classics riders and light climbers. As for the race, it’s going to be a hard and demanding one. From Tournai, where we start, we will go into the Flemish Ardennes, where the climbs will come in quick succession. We have a chance to do a strong race and we hope to get a good result”, said sports director Iljo Keisse.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
