VIDEO: Frustrated Arnaud De Lie pushes another rider in a sprint of Antwerp Port Epic and earns a fine from UCI

With Lyme disease and other struggles finally a matter of the past, Arnaud De Lie seems to have finally found his better self again and the Walloon farmer begins to rack up victores in what he knows like his boots, the Belgian 1.1 races. Obviously the 22-year-old hoped to extend his winning streak at Sunday's Antwerp Port Epic, but with weather not playing into his hands, there was not much that could have been done to prevent a bunch sprint where De Lie placed only fourth.

Emilien Jeannière probably won't become De Lie's best friend following the final sprint of the Belgian one-day race. The Frenchman racing for TotalEnergies (completely legally according to rules) blocked the path to a victory for the Lotto Dstny rider, who couldn't hide his frustration, swinging his hand and even lightly pushing the French rider, for which he earned a 200 CHF fine from UCI.

According to Lotto Dstny sports director Nikolas Maes, there was not much going on. "Arnaud was completely stuck. Jeannière keeps the door completely closed for him, which is of course his right. Arnaud has given him some friction, I wouldn't even call it a push, otherwise Jeannière will move aside. After that, Arnaud remained seated and lost another place, causing him to fall off the podium."

"It was a difficult race, but not difficult enough," De Lie adds in front of WielerFlits camera. "It ended up being a sprint and I was very well positioned in Kristoff's wheel. But I'm not a real sprinter, and I'm glad I'm not diving into the hole in front of me. If I do that, there will be falls. Fourth place is quite a shame, but that's just how it is."

"That I was in the lead a lot? That's nice, isn't it," De Lie laughs laconically. "I like to ride fast and accelerate. I'm especially happy that I have the good feeling again. The bad spring and Lyme disease are over, and the condition is good. I am very happy with the team's performance."