"I don't think I cheered too early": Ilan Van Wilder reflects after being out sprint in the finish line in stage 2 of Volta ao Algarve
CyclingThursday, 16 February 2023 at 17:44
Ilan Van Wilder got very close to achieving his first ever victory in professional level in stage 2 of Volta ao Algarve. The 22 years old Belgian from Soudal-Quick-Step launched a powerful sprint on the top of the climb only to be beat at the cross of the finish line by Magnus Cort Nielson (EF Education-EasyPost) when he already was raising his hands.
"'I know I'm good at these kinds of finishes, I didn't want to start the sprint only in the last hundred metres, so I started from far away. I thought I won, I don't think I cheered too early, so close to the finish. He won by a tyre thickness, it's a shame, but what can you do about it", stated Van Wilder to the Eurosport reporters on the post race interview.
Despite coming just a little short of the stage victory, Ilan Van Wilder impressed and is now second overall only 4 seconds behind race leader Magnus Cort Nielsen. Van Wilder not only is a suited rider for the remaining Alto do Malhão but also does well in the time trials, making him a serious contender for the general classification, and he doesn't shy out of that. "I don't think I cheered too early":
"After today's result, the GC is definitely a goal.", Van Wilder concluded his post race interview showing ambitions of winning Volta ao Algarve race.
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Incredibly close for @IlanWilder, who gets pipped on the line by Magnus Cort on stage 2 of the #VAlgarve2023! Photo: @GettySport
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