First podium of the team this season in a Belgian one-day race.
Laurenz Rex notched up his maiden top three finish with the team, just two days after concluding top ten at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The Belgian, a former winner in the Samyn Classic, was incredibly strong the entire day, rode a smart race and had a solid team to rely on, before impressing once again in the sprint.
His second place in Dour, where the 58th edition once again finished, came after an excellent team performance. Soudal Quick-Step was one of the strongest teams in the race, pulling at the front of the peloton, bringing back many late attacks and making sure Rex would go under the flamme rouge in the top ten positions. There, the Belgian waited for the last 200 meters to launch a powerful sprint that netted a well-deserved podium, just behind Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe).
“We started with the plan to be in the mix in case of a bunch sprint, which was very likely given the good weather. The guys did a great job, staying alert at the front of the peloton and putting in a huge effort. Knowing I had such an incredible team around me motivated me a lot. In the closing kilometers, they put me in a great position, and in the final 50 meters I found what I was missing in Kuurne, so overall, I am content with this result and with my shape.”
It’s a nice feeling to get my first podium with the Wolfpack, they have already made me a better rider and I’m confident I can continue to progress under the team’s guidance.
“The people here motivate me on a daily basis and make me believe even more in myself, which is extremely important”, said Laurenz after his result, one made even more impressive by the fact it came just five weeks after the high-speed crash in which he was involved at the AlUla Tour.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
