Arnaud De Lie Continues Winning Streak with Victory at Egmont Cycling Race
Arnaud De Lie, a rider for Lotto Soudal, secured another impressive victory at the Egmont Cycling Race in Zottegem. Just two days after winning Schaal Sels, De Lie sprinted to the finish line in a bunch sprint, beating Frenchman Arnaud Démare and cementing his ninth win of the season. Teammate Jasper De Buyst finished third, completing the success for Lotto Soudal.
De Lie expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, “In the final local lap, I really was on my limit but when I saw the finish line in the last 200 meters, I gave it my all and that eventually was enough for my ninth win of the season…A first and third place is a nice proof that our tactic worked today.”
The challenging course of the Egmont Cycling Race, featuring cobbles and short climbs, provided an exciting and attractive race for the participants. De Lie acknowledged the challenges faced during the final lap, saying, “In the final lap, there were lots of attacks which didn’t make it easier. Also, the finish was slightly uphill but Jasper did the perfect job in guiding me into the final 200 meters.”
With this recent victory, De Lie is off to a strong start for the final part of his season. He explained his decision to skip the U23 World Championships in Australia, stating, “With nine pro victories, I don’t have my place in that category anymore. I prefer racing in Belgium and France, where my parents and fans can come and cheer me on.”
Jasper De Buyst, who won the Egmont Cycling Race in 2017, finished third with an impressive lead-out. He commented on the success of Lotto Soudal, saying, “With a first and third spot, it’s a perfect day for Lotto Soudal…We had a clear plan to make the race hard and protect Arnaud towards a possible final sprint. We executed that plan to perfection and didn’t need to carry the weight of the race.”
The Egmont Cycling Race marks another triumphant moment for Arnaud De Lie, showcasing his dominant form as he continues to excel in the sport.
