Arnaud De Lie starts season in Bessèges and explains racing delay - "My body wasn’t ready"
Cycling
Arnaud De Lie had hoped to start his season at the early-season Spanish one-day races to begin bringing in wins for Lotto, but his plans were sidetracked by a minor knee injury. It was an unexpected setback but one that was not too dramatic, and now the Belgian sprinter looks to kick off his season with a victory at the Etoile de Bessègess.
"That was a good decision. I had some trouble with my knee. On the day I was supposed to race in Spain last weekend, I only rode for 40 minutes. That was enough. My body wasn’t ready, and in that case, it’s better to wait and watch the race on TV," De Lie explained in a press release issued by the team. "A week later, I am fully recovered. I feel a healthy sense of excitement — I want to race."
In France, De Lie will have good opportunities to succeed, but will require good form. Bessèges presents three hilly stages that are well suited to him, the opening day having a final 600-meter long ascent at 9% whilst the following two days have some climbing throughout the day that can put the pure sprinters under some more difficulty. De Lie picked this race knowing it presents chances for him to open his 2025 tally but he will have to contend with strong competition who is also looking to do the same.
"This is no longer a small race. So many big names are lining up here, with Mads Pedersen probably the biggest one for the first three stages. He won the first stage three years ago. I won it the year after. It suits me well, with a tough finish," he explains.
It is not one of De Lie's major season goals, but this week in France he will have an important test of form and puts some pressure on himself to gather a triumph. "Stage two will likely end in a bunch sprint—we have already reconned that one. And I’ve also marked stage three on my calendar. I may not be at 100% just yet, but I’m not far off either. More than anything, I just can’t wait to get going. Pinning on that first race number, reconnecting with the fans… Now, I just hope things go my way," he concluded.
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🇫🇷 #EDB2025
— Lotto Cycling Team (@lottocycling_) February 5, 2025
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