# ProTeam Lotto-Intermarché Gears Up for the Flemish Spring: “Be There When the Race Turns”
As the Flemish Spring cycling season approaches, ProTeam Lotto-Intermarché is set to make its mark, with leaders Arnaud De Lie and Jenno Berckmoes ready to tackle the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, a pivotal race seen as the true kickoff of the season.
De Lie has already begun his season, competing in races in Almeria and the Algarve, whereas for Berckmoes, Saturday’s Omloop will be his debut race of the year. Regardless of their respective starting points, the team views this event as a blank slate. The squad supporting them includes Cédric Beullens, Vito Braet, Sébastien Grignard, Roel van Sintmaartensdijk, and Luca Van Boven.
Reflecting on recent preparations, De Lie stated, “We’ve had a good recon. It was useful to actually ride those changes in the course… Maybe the new course suits me even better. Tactically, that changes quite a bit. We have to race smart.” With the race’s dynamics shifting, De Lie is keen to avoid exhausting his resources too early. “The goal is to win, not to finish second or third. I want to try to be there at the decisive moments, when the race turns.”
On the other hand, Berckmoes, who hasn’t yet raced this season, feels the excitement and pressure of his first event. “That the Omloop is immediately my first race does create some healthy tension… I think I’m ready.” He noted that past collaborations with De Lie have been fruitful, and they remain flexible with their roles as the race unfolds.
Both cyclists put their skills to the test during the recent recon, showcasing their strengths on the cobbled climbs, as observed on Lotto–Intermarché’s social media. However, they maintain a level of caution. Berckmoes added, “Now it went well, on a single climb. On Saturday it will be that times twenty, in race conditions.” De Lie echoed this sentiment: “We shouldn’t count our chickens before they hatch.”
Performance manager Aike Visbeek expressed confidence in the team, stating, “A lot of work has been done in recent weeks… This is a first real test and they will keep improving race by race.” De Lie and Berckmoes, having faced a challenging winter, are now on a solid footing. With a stable supporting cast, including Grignard and van Sintmaartensdijk managing placements until the first climb, Visbeek sees potential in the team. “I think we start this Opening Weekend as outsiders, and we’re looking forward to it.”
As the excitement builds for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, fans and team members alike are eager to see how strategies unfold on race day. “Be there when the race turns” is not just a motto but a call to action for ProTeam Lotto-Intermarché as they embark on the challenging Flemish spring.
