ProTeam Two Top-Ten finishes for Lotto Cycling Team in Dwars door Vlaanderen

“We, the ‘second-tier riders,’ have moved up a bit and are getting the chance to ride for our own results. We’re going to seize that opportunity with both hands.” Prophetic words from Arjen Livyns at the start of Dwars door Vlaanderen in Roeselare this morning, because 184 kilometers later, with two top-ten finishes, he proved it. Arjen Livyns finished a strong eighth in Waregem, while Alec Segaert completed a great day for Lotto Cycling Team by securing tenth place.

“Sunday will be more difficult, so today was the day we had to do it,” said Arjen Livyns. “Just after Nokere, on the cobbles of Herlegem, there was suddenly a moment of hesitation in the group. That turned out to be a good moment, as it allowed us, with a group of six, to start chasing the leading group. Not that we ever thought we would catch them, but you can always hope for some uncertainty in that group.”

Segaert agreed: “I saw them riding in the distance, and we were working well together, but we weren’t getting any closer. We could only make sure that the group behind us didn’t come back, and we managed that quite well. Under the red flag, I made one last attempt. The group split up a bit, but in the final straight, with a strong headwind, three guys still passed me.”

Despite everything, the duo looks back on Dwars door Vlaanderen with satisfaction. “This is my first top-ten finish in a WorldTour race,” said Segaert. “That feels great. We’re riding well as a team, and this result is proof of that.” Livyns added: “Hopeful for Sunday? Well, we’ve started the Tour of Flanders in worse conditions before.”