ProTeam Arnaud De Lie sprints to an excellent 4th place in Algarve
The fourth stage from Albufeira to Faro had the characteristics of a classic: a series of climbs through the hills behind the coastline, including the tough Malhão along the way, and a final stretch with an uphill finish. Unsurprisingly, many eyes were once again on Arnaud De Lie. “The plan was to be well-positioned at the turn with 2.5 kilometers to go,” De Lie explained. “Brent Van Moer set up the train perfectly there, Jasper De Buyst put in a massive effort until the final kilometer, and Cedric Beullens—just like yesterday—brought me into a great position for the sprint. Yesterday, I was frustrated because I launched too late, I waited too long. Today, I went a bit too early. But no frustrations this time (laughs). The lead-out was simply too good.”
With only the time trial remaining—not exactly his specialty—Arnaud De Lie looks back on his week in Portugal with satisfaction. “I came here hoping to win a stage, that’s true. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but I’ve learned a lot this week. Today, for example, was a perfect, and very tough, rehearsal for the classics. And I’m not just taking away sporting lessons for the spring. We’ve also built a great atmosphere within the team this past week, which is just as important. Everyone is on the same page.”
After the Volta ao Algarve, De Lie will briefly return home before the real start of the Flemish classics season. “I’ve been away from home for almost two months, so it’ll be good to spend some time on the farm with my family. I’ve been struggling with a stuffy nose and watery eyes for a few days—probably an allergy—so I need to take good care of myself before the classics.”
Picture: PhotoNews
