The 17-year-old Frenchman outpowered his breakaway companions in the final meters of the race.
Soudal Quick-Step U19 celebrated its first win of the season Sunday afternoon at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Junior, which took in eight hills and several cobblestone segments. The race was only 130 kilometers in length, but the numerous difficulties on the course were enough for those keen on making the difference to try something, and our squad was among the main protagonists.
Eventually, on one of the last climbs of the day, Simon rode clear together with Tijs Witte (Goudenbod-Parkhotel U19) and Antoine Salamin (JEGG-SKIL-DJR), and this strong trio built a solid gap over the chasers, a margin that they managed to carry onto the finishing circuit. The winner was decided only inside the last 200 meters, and Simon proved to be the strongest of that small group, taking his third victory for our team after the ones he captured last season at Penn Ar Bed-Bro An Hirwazh and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Championships.
“It’s incredible! I was determined to show how strong I was from the very first race of the season, but to actually do it is unbelievable. I’m really proud of the team, who did a great job at the front of the pack to control the gap before I made my move. A big thanks to my teammates and the staff, without them this win wouldn’t have been possible”, said Simon, the first Frenchman to win Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Junior.
Photo credit: ©Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne