ProTeam Van Moer shows early form with third place at GP La Marseillaise

The 25-year-old rouleur was part of a front group that battled for victory.
Race 29 January 2023

Lotto Dstny rider Brent Van Moer has shown his early form with a podium spot at the French one-day race Grand Prix de la Marseillaise. The 25-year-old rouleur was part of a front group that took shape in a tough final and that would eventually battle for victory. Just ahead of the Col de la Gineste – the final climb of the day – Neilson Powless went solo and the American hold his effort until the finish. In a tight sprint for second place, Van Moer only had to let Frenchman Ferron in front of him as the Belgian took a deserved podium place after already showing his good shape at last weekend’s Classica Valenciana.

Brent Van Moer: “Last week, I already felt that I was going uphill quite well and when the race exploded on Route des Crêtes today, I was again part of a sizeable breakaway. That way, we could play different cards with also our sprinter Arnaud De Lie still in the peloton. But as quite a lot of teams were represented in the front group, it soon became clear that we would go for the win. When Powless attacked, nobody really had an answer, so I think he was the strongest today. The chase wasn’t really smooth and when I realised that the victory was gone, I shifted my focus on the sprint for second. Unfortunately, I was forced to start the sprint from pole position and I decided to go at 250 metres from the line. Due to the headwind, it was tight in the end but I could eventually hold on to a podium place.”

No disappointment for Brent Van Moer, the 25-year-old rider is especially happy with the many training hours that are now resulting in a good shape.

“This third place does not feel like a disappointment. It’s true that you don’t often get this chance, but I didn’t make any mistakes. I am especially happy that I can start the season with good legs and a podium spot. That is promising for the upcoming Etoile de Bessèges, where there’s a couple of nice chances to again show the Lotto Dstny colours.”

Image: Grand Prix de la Marseillaise.

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