Echelons, grimaces and sneakers: Maxim Van Gils' pro debut win

The Lotto Soudal youngster net a massive win this afternoon in Saudi Arabia and is on his way to win the overall classification.

With UCI points being crucial this season, a lot of debate has been going on around how Lotto Soudal would fare knowing their lack of a team that's capable of racking up many and their lack of focus towards the classification. However, the way the season is starting for the Belgian squad, it doesn't seem like they'll have to worry too much about it.

With Tim Wellens and Arnaud de Lie taking wins in Mallorca, and Caleb Ewan taking the opening stage of the Saudi Tour things were looking good, but with today's win and takeover of the GC from Maxim van Gils, more valuable points are expected to come their way.

“What a special feeling. I do not win that often. That I managed to do so today, is very special for me. I had a very good day, the team worked hard to get me in the first echelon. Afterwards, it was up to me to stay there. That I could finish the teamwork in style, makes me very happy.”

It was indeed Van Gils' first win as an Elite rider, after his first pro season last year showed glimpses of excellence in the hilly races. Furthermore, after winning the first stage Caleb Ewan promised Van Gils some new sneakers if he finished on the podium of the overall classification. Safe to say that tomorrow he isn't only leaving Saudi Arabia with his first GC win.

“The team has been motivating me whole week. Tomorrow there is a new day for Caleb to go for a stage and I have to go all out for the GC. The sneaker-promise has started as a joke of Caleb, but it is becoming more serious within the team now. Hopefully, I will have earned a new pair tomorrow.”