ProTeam First top-ten finish in Tour de France after eventful day for Lotto
“This is the kind of stage I came to the Tour for,” said Jenno Berckmoes at the start of stage two of the Tour de France in Lauwin-Planque. Prophetic words, because 209 kilometers later, his name is neatly placed tenth in the stage results. “I’m happy. Exhausted, but happy,” said Berckmoes. “I had said beforehand that I wanted to see how far I could go at this level. I would be satisfied with a top ten, and look… just made it.”
Brent Van Moer was part of the four-man breakaway of the day and did a lot of hard work. In the finale, Berckmoes seized his opportunity. “I was definitely way too far back when it all blew open with ten kilometers to go, on that climb. I managed to pass a few people, so I just made it over the top, but it was the same story on the next climb. Barely hung on. Then I managed to push once more, I think I did the right thing there, but I had nothing left to really sprint. I got the most out of it, also thanks to the hard work of the team today. To ride into the top ten on day two, I’m happy with that.”
Despite Berckmoes’ top-ten result, it was a turbulent day for Lotto Cycling. Midway through the stage, Lennert Van Eetvelt crashed hard, a new blow following his fall last week at the Belgian championships in Binche. Fortunately, with the help of three teammates, Van Eetvelt was able to continue and finish safely. A medical update will follow later.
Picture: PhotoNews
