Lotto Soudal’s Florian Vermeersch Wins First Professional Race at Antwerp Port Epic
Lotto Soudal rider Florian Vermeersch secured his maiden professional victory in Antwerp today, crossing the finish line first in the thrilling Antwerp Port Epic. The 23-year-old Belgian emerged as part of a six-rider front group that battled for the win. Vermeersch’s impressive solo effort resulted in his first triumph as a professional cyclist, outmaneuvering his fellow escapees in a tactical game. Gianni Vermeersch and Thibau Nys joined him on the podium. Arnaud De Lie’s eighth-place finish in the race also placed him in the lead for the Exterioo Cycling Cup. Vermeersch’s victory marked Lotto Soudal’s 16th win of the season.
The Antwerp Port Epic, featuring 36 kilometers of unpaved roads and 28 kilometers of cobblestones, lived up to its reputation as a spectacle. Lotto Soudal took charge early in the race, consistently reducing the peloton’s size on the gravel sections. A battle of attrition ensued, with relentless attacks and Lotto Soudal maintaining a vigilant presence at the front. The decisive moment came with 30 kilometers to go, as Vermeersch was among six riders who broke free. This tightly-knit group collaborated effectively, leaving no doubt that the winner would emerge from their ranks. With a comfortable lead over the chasing pack, a tactical battle unfolded among the escapees in the closing kilometers. Vermeersch’s strategic move ultimately created a gap, allowing him to secure his momentous victory.
“I can’t really believe it yet that I won my first pro race,” Florian Vermeersch expressed. “The plan was to open the race quite early and make it a hard day on the bike. That worked out pretty well because it was a real battle of attrition. This was a strong team performance today because with five Lotto Soudal riders in the peloton, we had the race well under control. In the end, I was part of a six-man breakaway and thanks to the right composition, we quickly realized we were going for the win.”
In the technical and demanding final, Vermeersch’s skills shone through. “The technical nature, unpaved roads, cobbles, and long efforts during this Antwerp Port Epic suited me to the ground,” he explained. Reflecting on the thrilling conclusion, Vermeersch added, “In the end, I made the right decision, tried to surprise and could create a gap. From three kilometers to the finish, it really was a man-to-man battle. I’m really glad I could hold it until the end. However, I had to keep pushing, and only about fifty meters from the finish, I was sure of winning.”
Vermeersch’s victory brings a sense of redemption after a disappointing spring and recent bouts of bad luck. “This first pro victory obviously gives me a wonderful feeling,” he shared. “After a disappointing spring and the bad luck I had to deal with, this victory is very satisfying. Last week I was also in a good position during Tro Bro Léon but had bad luck. Today I was able to finish it off, and it’s always nice to reward the team’s confidence with a victory. I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” concluded the young Lotto Soudal rider.
Images: Photo News & Brecht Steenhouwer.
