Two victories in one day for our Devo Team.
Lars Vanden Heede is the new U23 Belgian Beach Race Champion, a victory he scored Sunday morning in Middelkerke, where this year’s event took place. Victorious last season in the PK Oost Vlaanderen ITT – where he successfully defended his title – the 20-year-old from Olsene was in the thick of the action right from kilometer zero, immediately booking a place in the front group that formed moments after the start.
Unfortunately, a puncture halfway through the race put an end to his time at the front, but Vanden Heede eventually managed to change wheels and complete the rest of the demanding course alone, which in the end netted him the victory in the U23 category and the famous tricolor jersey.
“I felt good today and got a big confidence-boost when I joined the leading group as the only U23 rider there. As the race progressed, we increased our buffer, but then I had that untimely puncture and lost contact with the others. I rode slowly, as I didn’t want to take any risks, until I could get another wheel. I still had a good lead over the other riders in my category, and this allowed me to remain calm and finish the race at my own pace”, said Lars after his win. “I’m delighted I could take the title, it’s a beautiful moment and a great way to round out what was a solid year for me.”
It was the first of the two victories that Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team scored on Sunday; the second of these was brought by Joeri Schaper in the Elimination Race, at the Netherlands Track Nationals.
