"I want to grow further" - Ilan van Wilder takes up leadership opportunity to win Deutschland Tour

Ilan van Wilder was set to race the Vuelta a Espana as Remco Evenepoel's right-hand man but plans were changed. The Belgian looked for more freedom and he skipped the Spanish Grand Tour, however he's made it worth it as he sealed the overall win at the Deutschland Tour.

“It’s a great feeling to take both my first pro victory and my maiden GC win, all in the same week," van Wilder said in a press release. "It was an amazing race with the team, and we can all be proud of what we achieved here. After I got the stage victory on the second day, the boys did a great job helping me defend the jersey, and I want to thank them for that and for being there also in the most hectic moments.”

With several races ongoing this past week, it was a triumph that didn't reach the spotlight, however for the 23-year old it may be the biggest moment of his career so far. Van Wilder won stage 2 and held his own in the hilly terrain, whilst then being able to keep the race lead on the final days where sprints decided the stage win.

“I think I found a balance when it comes to my role in the team. I want to grow further and get good results in this type of races, but at the same time I want to help the squad in the Grand Tours," he says. "Now, after this success, I can’t wait to go to Canada (GP de Québec and GP de Montréal, ed.) with the boys, where we hope to score some more solid results."