The Belgian put himself on track for a strong result in the overall standings.
Ilan Van Wilder had a solid outing on the second stage individual time trial, which he concluded as the highest-ranked Soudal Quick-Step rider, only a few seconds from the top ten. The penultimate member of the team to leave the start house in Tessenderlo, the 24-year-old Belgian – who is doing his first stage race since the Tour de France – averaged 52.63km/h Thursday afternoon and concluded the stage won by Alec Segaert (Lotto-Dstny) in 17:33.
The Belgian, who this season finished top five at both the UAE Tour and the Tour de Romandie, was content with his result, which sees him sit 12th in the general classification after the first two days: “The course was nice and I think I did a good time trial, even though the route didn’t really suit me being almost flat. The result, coming from a field that includes many specialists, gives me a lot of confidence for Sunday, when we’ll enter the final stage with the ambition of finishing in a good position in the general classification.”
The Renewi Tour continues on Friday with a flat parcours between Blankenberge and Ardooie, where the sprinters will get another opportunity.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
Ilan Van Wilder 
