ProTeam Van Gils Aims to Finish Strong in Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Maxim Van Gils is determined to end his successful spring season on a high note at Liège-Bastogne-Liège after achieving top ten finishes in both the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne. The 23-year-old Belgian is looking forward to delivering another strong performance before taking a well-deserved break.
Van Gils faced initial doubts at the start of his Ardennes campaign due to illness after the Volta Limburg Classic, which resulted in a temporary halt in his training. However, he made a successful comeback at the Amstel Gold Race, securing a 7th place finish and becoming the first Belgian to cross the line. He continued his impressive form at Flèche Wallonne, finishing 8th. Reflecting on the race, Van Gils stated, “Maybe with a better positioning at the foot of the Mur de Huy, something more would have been possible… but okay, this was my first participation. I’ll learn from this.”
Now, Van Gils is preparing to make his debut at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He will be joined by teammates Andreas Kron, Liam Slock, Mathijs Paasschens, Lennert Van Eetvelt, Sylvain Moniquet, and Harry Sweeny. Despite his lack of experience in the race, Van Gils acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He commented, “I don’t really know what to expect… This is one of the toughest races of the year, a real war of attrition and the legs will do all the talking.”
Confident in his team, Van Gils is ready to support his teammates and give his all in the race. “We will start with a strong team and have already delivered some nice performances. Maybe this race suits Andreas (Kron) and Lennert (Van Eetvelt) a little more so I will probably ride at the service of the team, but of course the race situation could still change a lot… I’m going to go all in one last time, it’s the last race of the spring and a Monument, then you just want to leave it all out on the road one more time.”
Van Gils is also excited about the prospect of racing alongside Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar. “Honestly? I’m looking forward to race together with him… It will be a nice battle, but a big challenge to follow them, but it’s one I’m glad to take on.”
Images: Maxime Van der Wielen.
