Quick-Step's hero Mauri Vansevenant looks back at Liege-Bastogne-Liege: "I knew Pogacar would attack at that point, because that's how Remco Evenepoel did it for two years"

Soudal - Quick-Step found their savior of the spring in the person of Mauri Vansevenant. As unlikely hero as he is, Vansevenant impressed with 4th place at Amstel Gold Race to which he added 6th from Liege-Bastogne-Liege today. Now, Wolfpack definitely hoped for more at Classics, but as a consolidation prize, it's not half-bad to find a new leader in the 24-year-old Belgian. It's also a great promise ahead of his next target, the Giro d'Italia.

"I knew a podium would be difficult, so I aimed for a top ten finish. I knew Pogacar would attack at that point, because that's how Remco Evenepoel did it for two years. The only solution was to work together afterwards, because there were also teammates there."

"It was elbow to elbow towards the finish, and I almost hit a phone after the finish. That was a serious blow, but luckily I was able to stay straight. The Giro d'Italia will also follow within ten days," said Vansevenant about his next goal. "I also have ambitions there, especially to go for stages. I think I have a good chance there, with the legs I have now, so I will take good care of myself," he told Sporza.

"I haven't looked at the road book yet, to be honest. I have had a busy period, during which I fully focused on the Ardennes classic. It will be a tough Giro anyway, but that's okay with me. Hopefully the weather will be nice and I can make something beautiful out of it," says Vansevenant.