Ilan Van Wilder Climbs the Rankings in Tour de Luxembourg
Soudal Quick-Step’s Belgian remains in contention for a podium finish this week.
The queen stage of the Tour de Luxembourg witnessed some intense action as the riders tackled a challenging finishing circuit. One of the standout features was the grueling Côte du Niklosbierg, a 3.6km climb with daunting 18% gradients. The peloton faced this climb three times in the final 50 kilometers of the race, leading to an increase in speed and riders being dropped.
Ilan Van Wilder showcased his climbing skills on the slopes of the Niklosbierg and managed to stay with the group of GC favorites despite several attacks. Meanwhile, Ben Healy from EF Education-EasyPost bridged across to the lone survivor of the breakaway and built a significant 50-second gap.
Despite their efforts, Healy held on to take the victory at the finish line near the picturesque Vianden Castle. Ilan finished in 12th place, a result that moves the 23-year-old Belgian up to eighth place in the general classification. This positions him well for the crucial individual time trial in Pétange on Saturday.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
