The Belgian powered to his second success of the season, after the one in the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque.
Soudal Quick-Step took its 11th victory in Desselgem Koerse, which was held Tuesday afternoon, over a 155km course made up of 17 laps that together with the harsh weather took their toll on the riders. These conditions didn’t seem to bother Warre Vangheluwe, who emerged victorious from a small group after an action-packed day.
The wind was the main factor of the race, quickly splitting the peloton from where a dozen riders attacked, one of these being Warre. Things calmed down for a brief moment, allowing other men to join the front and make it a 20-rider group – including some from the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team – who had 40 seconds over the bunch. More attacks thinned out this group, leaving only five guys in the lead with two laps to go. The quintet worked well together, holding off the chasers, and Warre proved to be the fastest in the sprint, taking the win there after unleashing an impressive burst of speed.
“I started with big expectations and was very confident, especially as the rain and wind made for the kind of weather that is to my liking. It was hard out there, but I gave my best and worked with the Devo team guys, which allowed us to keep the gap. In the sprint, I had enough power left after this demanding day and I’m happy I could finish it off. It’s a special victory, because it came in my home region and it makes me proud”, said Warre after winning the fourth different kermesse of his career.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
Warre Vangheluwe 