Another race, another win for the promising rider of Soudal Quick-Step U19.
Vic De Smet is in red-hot form this spring, and the young Belgian seizes every opportunity to showcase it. Having won four races prior to this Saturday’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the 17-year-old was one of the favourites at the start of this fourth edition, which took the peloton from Bastogne to La Redoute, over 139.9 demanding kilometers that packed five classified climbs.
The Belgian was among the most active riders throughout the day, trying to shake things up and make a selection, which he eventually succeeded in doing on Côte de la Vecquée, the longest climb of the race. The newly-formed group, consisting of approximately 25 riders, arrived at the bottom of La Redoute, where Vic attacked boldly and decisively to drop everyone else and become the first Belgian winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège Junior.
“It feels great to win this beautiful and important race. The team did a perfect job and I was confident in my chances of fighting for victory. I’m very happy with the win. It was a perfect finish for me and I’m delighted I could bring it home after the guys’ hard work. We’ll now go with even more confidence into Sunday’s In Flanders Fields”, Vic explained after the podium ceremony.
