"I really couldn't have dreamed this. Especially when you see who is here" - Alec Segaert realises potential with brilliant ITT at Renewi Tour 2024 for first World Tour win

On stage 2 of the 2024 Renewi Tour, a number of top time trialists were present for the race against the clock, even with the sad departure of Filippo Ganna from the race. In the end, Lotto Dstny's Alec Segaert took the win, his first at World Tour level, with a breakthrough performance.

"This is really unbelievable, I really couldn't have dreamed this, actually. Especially when you see who is here at the start of this race. The top ten really doesn't lie," the Belgian reflects in his post-stage interview with VRT, after having left the likes of Stefan Bissegger, Magnus Sheffield and former time trial world champion Tobias Foss in his dust.

"I had a good feeling straight away, I was in a really good rhythm straight away. I had prepared myself very well, had done a good reconnaissance," continues Segaert's post-stage reflections. "I knew where to make the difference and it just went according to plan. There was not much to complain about, I just focused on the feeling that I was doing well. That worked out fantastically."

As an added bonus, Segaert is also now into the overall race lead thanks to his time trial expertise. "I will certainly try to hold on to this bonus for a long time," he assesses optimistically. "It will certainly not be easy. This Renewi Tour is difficult. I had my mind set on this, but also on that last stage. Let's see how long I can keep it up there. This was also a good test for the European Championship, the condition is good, it translates into these performances."