The Belgian finished runner-up at the Junior World ITT Championships.
Vic De Smet rode to an impressive silver medal Wednesday, completing the 20.3km course around Montreal in 25:23. Soudal Quick-Step U19’s rider arrived in Canada after a remarkable first season in the junior ranks and started the race as one of the top three favorites.
The 17-year-old didn’t disappoint, producing a strong effort and an average speed close to 48km/h, which earned him a first medal at a major international competition. De Smet, victorious in ten races this season, was third at the intermediate checkpoint but upped the tempo in the second part of the course and finished just six seconds from the top spot of the podium, which went to Spain’s Benjamin Noval.
“It’s incredible to be on the podium at the Worlds. I surprised myself with this performance, it’s something that I’ve only dreamed about. It was a route that suited me, a course that forced you to constantly change the rhythm, but I found a way to pace my effort before the punchy finale and I’m delighted with this result”, Vic said after delivering Belgium’s third medal at this edition.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
