Lotto and Arnaud de Lie had hoped for more from opening classics of 2025: "We were unlucky twice at the worst possible moment"

With the opening weekend and Le Samyn Classic now behind us, the cycling season is well and truly underway. However, one team that might have hoped for a stronger start is Lotto, and in particular, Arnaud De Lie.

Team manager Nikolas Maes shared his thoughts on the early season setbacks with Wielerflits, acknowledging the team’s mixed fortunes. Remember, De Lie is the current Belgian champion and is seen as one of the most exciting prospects coming out of their ranks at the moment.

“Cycling is about getting results, and apart from Brent’s boost, we didn’t succeed,” Maes admitted. “But we have to dare to look at the circumstances. We were unlucky twice at the worst possible moment.”

“In the Omloop, Arnaud first broke a spoke, we had a hard time getting that wheel out and already lost a lot of time. But not much later he kicked off his chain on his new bike. Result: another new bike, but then we were really far behind in the most important zone of the race.

"He did get back to the front later, but if you already make an effort for fifteen minutes before the real efforts have to be made, you pay for it in the final. The best was already gone by then, but he did let it go on a part that he shouldn't have.”

“Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne was a very paralysed race, with little tension. We played the Lionel Taminiaux card, with a free role for Steffen De Schuyteneer, but I think they miscalculated a bit. They assumed that they could still get through on the left, which didn't happen anymore and then we didn't win a prize.”

The 22 year old was hoping for more due to his superb record at such a young age. Remember, he has already finished second at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2023, and won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec that year too.

“As for Le Samyn, we had everything under control for a long time, until Steffen De Schuyteneer fell. At the moment we were helping him, we received a message that we were unlucky again. Apparently Brent had been pushed, which forced him to swerve to the right and hit Arnaud's rear wheel.

"Result: both wheels broken and we were nowhere near. Arnaud was still able to fight back, but the sprint did not go smoothly. He would not have won, but a podium was possible and certainly a top 5.”

“We are talking about two races, right? If we see that happen six times in a row, then we have to ask ourselves if there is something wrong with his karma. The cause was always clear: there was a collision in front of him twice. In addition, there were generally a lot of crashes. Without wind and rain, you get easy races and there are many more riders present in the final. That in turn leads to more stress and crashes. It was not an isolated case.”

Does it frustrate De Lie? According to his boss, “A little bit, but he does give a serene and calm impression. I think he learned from last spring that it is not always logical that everything works out and happens automatically.

"That was the big lesson he learned from that whole failed spring. Bad luck can happen, but you have to stay calm. He is fine and physically able to do what he has to do. Two chances are gone, but from Nokere Koerse and Milan-San Remo there will be new chances to perform.”

“We are still a bit hungry in terms of pure performances. He is okay, but I don't think he is at his best yet. That doesn't mean that more was not possible. If he could just follow in the Omloop, he would be in the big peloton and he could sprint for a place of honour. Where he would have ended up, I dare not say. But he would have performed twice with a more than sufficient grade. Now you have those question marks, but the confidence with Arnaud and the team is intact. That is important for the next appointments.”

“It was expected that he would be in very good shape from the Omloop. But he suffered from a knee injury during the preparation due to a fall, which has lost him something. There was also talk of a little bit of illness after the Etoile de Bessèges.

"But still, in principle there were no signs that he would not be okay. It is not an exact science either. He has done everything he can to be good, and we will see what else can be added in the next two weeks. He will now work well in Spain.”

“Gent-Wevelgem is a very important appointment. And also Across Flanders. But if he is really in shape, he can also ride very well in the Tour of Flanders. Of course, the cards have to fall into place, but he can ride in the top 5 there. But anyway: condition number one is to be one hundred percent in shape and not have any bad luck.”

“Arjen Livyns did a very good job. He was very good in the race both on Saturday and Sunday. Arjen is a smart rider who can read the race. On Saturday he was able to follow the better riders at the toughest moments on the Berendries, and he still rode a good sprint.

"On Sunday he tried to go after Wellens on the Côte de Trieu. That shows the good mentality and confirms his good feeling.”

“Look, in principle our biggest toppers are Arnaud and Lennert Van Eetvelt. But Alec Segaert is fine and can become that in the future. Jenno Berckmoes is still injured, but hopefully he will be back in the spring. There is still a lot of potential there.

"I see all the other riders evolving more towards a free role and excellent helpers. When Arnaud is one hundred percent fine, they can drop him off well and make sure he can win the race. That is the most important thing.”