For the sixth year in a row, our team had a rider in the top three.
Yves Lampaert took a strong second place in Gullegem Koerse – his sixth podium at the race and a new record for a rider this century – after an entire day during which our team was in the thick of the action.
As is always the case there, the race exploded early after a flurry of attacks that split the peloton, and the Soudal Quick-Step boys were in the thick of the action, covering all the important moves. At one point, a six-man group featuring Yves broke clear and built a gap of around one minute, which they worked hard to maintain in front of the chasers.
Some 40 kilometers from home, a series of attacks reduced the leading group to just three men, including the former Belgian Champion, who continued to tap out a solid rhythm at the front of the race, helping the newly-formed trio hold on to their advantage. The leaders worked well, entering the final lap with a comfortable margin, and continued to remain together until the closing meters, where they battled it out in a small sprint, where the two-time winner of Gullegem Koerse finished behind Dries De Bondt (Decathlon AG2R), who took the win.
“The main breakaway of the day was established after five laps and I was there, having attacked early in the race. Our gap wasn’t a big one at any point, but we gave our best and held off the chasers, despite the fact they had the numvers. In the end, I was a bit tired after going full gas the whole day, but overall, I am happy with my result and with being on the podium”, said Yves, who was joined in the top ten by teammate Jordi Warlop.
