"I did everything I could" - Mauri Vansevenant gives positive performance for Soudal - Quick-Step at Amstel Gold Race finishing 4th

Although much of this spring has been bleak for Soudal - Quick-Step, Mauri Vansevenant was able give some positive vibes to the team with an impressive performance at the Amstel Gold Race, despite narrowly missing out on the final podium in 4th.

“It's the most ungrateful place, isn't it,” the 24-year-old Belgian reflected in his post-race interview, having lost out in the sprint for the line to eventual winner Tom Pidcock, Marc Hirschi and compatriot Tiesj Benoot. “I felt like I was very good. When Tom Pidcock attacks on the Bemelerberg, then I saw stars. For me it was follow, follow, follow and try to connect. After that it was just recovery for the sprint.”

Recover Vansevenant did too, getting back to the lead group as they headed into the finale. Despite his best effort however, he couldn't spring a surprise in the final sprint for the line. “I couldn't get away from the lead in the final straight line. The group came from behind quickly and then you have to decide. I chose to just sprint from the top," he explains. "I'm now fourth and that's a shame, but I did everything I could. The men in front of me are certainly not pancakes, so I can certainly be satisfied.”

“We have shown that we are there as a team, that we are the Wolfpack. On to the next classics,” Vansevenant concludes feistily. “We want to show the will to race and find the right flow again. There are mixed feelings now. Still, it was a great race and I felt good. The podium was there, but then again it wasn't.”