The spring classics underdog - Frederik Frison fourth at Gent-Wevelgem replicating Classic Brugge-De Panne result

A loyal domestique, Frederik Frison could never dream of having the spring he's so far put out. Although he's finished just one step outside of the podium, the 30-year old has achieved another career-best result as he surprised to fourth place at Gent-Wevelgem.

Frison frequently has a role similar to that of Tim Declercq, having a big engine and working for the Belgian team's sprinters. This spring he's been showing his best form, as with the grim conditions riders have faced this past week in Flandres, Frison has thrived. "It wasn’t an easy task to stay warm today but luckily the fast racing helped," the Belgian said in a post-race interview. "With several mechanical issues for amongst others Arnaud De Lie we also had our share of the bad luck today, but once again we made an impact on the race today.”

Not only did he survive the day's climbs but he had good legs and was active afterwards. Arnaud De Lie suffered badly timed mechanicals and Caleb Ewan completely cracked after an impressive response to Wout van Aert's Kemmelberg attack. Frison and Vermeersch had good legs and stayed in the reduced peloton, attacking in turns to try and grab a good result towards the end. Frison executed the right move in the final kilometers, riding away with two more riders, and sprinting home to fourth on the day - as was the case in the Classic Brugge-De Panne.

“Most of all, I’m proud of this fourth place in a big Classic like Gent-Wevelgem. In the final, I used a technical part to attack. The cooperation was ideal and that way we could battle for third. A fourth place might leave a bit of a sour taste, but I can’t really complain about the top shape I am in after an earlier fourth at Brugge-De Panne Classic on Wednesday," Frison concluded.