Only the second Belgian rider to come out on top at the race since it was created.
Sune De Valck delivered an outstanding victory for the Soudal Quick-Step Junior Team, at Sunday’s Gent-Wevelgem, one of the most prestigious races of the calendar. The 16-year-old emerged as the strongest at the end of the 120km event, which started and finished in Ypres and took in a total of seven climbs, including three ascents of the iconic Kemmelberg.
The main move of the day formed before the last time up the Kemmelberg, when a four-man group featuring Sune broke clear and built a nice gap on the chasers. The steep gradients and the cobbles made a selection, leaving only three riders at the front. De Valck was incredibly strong, taking some impressive pulls that helped the trio keep a stable advantage over those trying to bridge across.
In the final kilometer, Sune produced a huge sprint and powered to a clear success ahead of his countrymen, Jasper Verbrugge (ACROG-Tormans) and Thor Feyaerts (Crabbe-Dstny U19), for Soudal Quick-Step Junior’s eighth victory of the season.
“The first part of the race was quite easy and quiet, but everything changed before the second ascent of the Kemmelberg, where the crosswinds split the peloton. A group of around 30 riders formed there and we got a nice gap, then a couple of the guys attacked some 50 kilometers from the finish line and I joined that move. We worked well together and pressed on to extend our margin. In the end, we remained three at the front and I was feeling good and confident in my sprint. I am incredibly happy with this win, it’s a great result and I’m glad I could repay the team for their confidence and support”, said a delighted Sune after the race.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
