ProTeam Arnaud De Lie continues his build-up at Tirreno-Adriatico: “This race is perfect to get better.”
# Arnaud De Lie Gears Up for Tirreno-Adriatico: “This Race is Perfect to Get Better”
Arnaud De Lie is ready to embark on his maiden journey at the Tirreno-Adriatico, a pivotal seven-day race that he believes is instrumental in building his form ahead of the cycling classics. “The base is already there of course. I’ve had a good winter and I came back from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with a very good feeling,” De Lie states.
Reflecting on his recent performances, he remarked on the challenges he faced during Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. “I thought I had the legs, and we also had a plan, but it just didn’t work out.” Despite this setback, De Lie remains optimistic. “In any case, the good feeling is there. I trained for six more days in Belgium in beautiful spring weather, and now it’s about continuing to build towards Denain, Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders.”
The Lotto–Intermarché team will be largely represented at the **Corsa dei Due Mari**, featuring De Lie, Liam Slock, Cédric Beullens, Jenno Berckmoes, and Huub Artz, along with Georg Zimmermann and Lennert Van Eetvelt. De Lie emphasized, “This week is a great opportunity to further warm up and fine-tune our sprint train towards the classics. There are several chances. The final stage to San Benedetto del Tronto, of course. And who knows, maybe stage two as well.”
This prestigious race includes several stages exceeding 200 kilometers, which De Lie considers ideal for his development. “That’s perfect to keep getting better and better. And if we get the chance to go for the win, we certainly won’t let it slip.”
The Tirreno-Adriatico kicks off today with an 11.5-kilometer time trial in Lido di Camaiore. Lennert Van Eetvelt will be the first Lotto–Intermarché rider to take to the start ramp at 12:52, followed by Huub Artz, who will go last at 15:15.
In a noteworthy turn, Van Eetvelt recently suffered a heavy crash at Strade Bianche, causing him to abandon the race after only 100 kilometers. However, he has since completed training and felt positive on the bike, leading the team to agree on his participation.
