ProTeam Arnaud De Lie impresses with second place in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Lotto Dstny rider Arnaud De Lie finished on the podium at his Omloop Het Nieuwsblad debut. The 20-year-old Belgian sprinted to second place behind Dylan Van Baarle, who soloed to the victory. De Lie made a strong impression in the race and thanks to a strong ascent of the Muur, he could join a four-rider chase also including Laporte, Mohoric and Wellens. The Dutchman Van Baarle stayed ahead and with the uphill finish in sight, a reduced bunch also came back. But with a powerful kick, De Lie still sprinted to a second place in his first Omloop.

“I am really happy with this second place in the Omloop, I really had a great day. I can’t be disappointed with my first WorldTour podium, at the age of 20. Last year, I was still watching this race on television, to be up there on the Muur at the very front, is just incredible”, says Arnaud De Lie.

It didn’t look great for De Lie at fifty kilometres from the finish, when he crashed in one of the many corners on the course.

“It was a constant battle for the best position, I took the turn a bit too wide and hit the deck. But I remained calm and could also count on my strong teammates to bring me back to the bunch. That way, I could begin the Molenberg in really good position. On the Muur, it was all about the power and I could bridge towards the duo Wellens – Mohoric. To be climbing such an iconic hill like the Muur at the very front gave me goosebumps. Van Baarle was really strong and at the end, I gave it my all to finish second, I didn’t want to give that podium place away. I was obliged to do so towards my teammates, who really did a strong race today”, concluded Arnaud De Lie.

Images: Photo News.