"I took another step forward" - Cobbled classics talent proved for Arnaud De Lie after Opening Weekend

Arnaud De Lie's progress is one of the most interesting plots of the last 12 months, and one that does not slow down. In his first big test against the classics specialists against his terrain, he has proved his worth as a world-class contender this weekend.

“A seventh place at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and a second place in Omloop of course gives me a satisfied feeling after my first full Belgian opening weekend," De Lie tells satisfied at the end of the second race of the weekend. "When the race split in the hilly part, I had some heavy legs at first. If I had felt strong enough I would certainly have tried to join the attackers on Le Bourliquet, but I was limited to following there. Eventually, I came into a good rhythm and the legs only got better as the race progressed”

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Lotto Dstny was the most active team in the chase at Kuurne, but the front quintet was too strong to reel back in. “Everyone looked a bit at us in the chase, but my teammates did again an amazing job. That we were still with five guys part of the reduced bunch shows another solid collective performance today. Arjen Livyns, Brent Van Moer and Frederik Frison pulled a lot at the front and Florian Vermeersch made sure I could start the sprint in good position," he describes.

After counter-attacking and sprinting to second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, De Lie sprinted to seventh this Sunday. "Unfortunately, it wasn’t for the win but I end this opening weekend definitely with a good feeling. I took another step forward and there are some nice things to come with this shape," he concluded. The sky is the future for the Belgian, who now races Paris-Nice in antecipation to Milano-Sanremo where despite being his debut, he may be a prime favourite.

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🇧🇪 #KBK23 A strong sprint to end an impressive opening weekend 👊

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