Huub Artz: "I was eagerly awaiting my first World Tour race"

This Wednesday, March 26th, Intermarché-Wanty begins an intense phase of Flemish classics, starting with the 49th edition of the Classic Brugge-De Panne, a major event for the sprinters of the World Tour peloton since it became a one-day race in 2018.

The flat 195-kilometer course is almost identical to that of previous editions. After the start on the Main Square in Bruges, a 67-kilometer approach leads the riders directly to the coastal town of La Panne. In the local circuit of 43 kilometers to be covered three times, the peloton faces the passage through the open fields of the Moeren, about 10 kilometers from the finish in the Zeelaan.

The selection of seven riders directed by sprint coach Pieter Vanspeybrouck, Dimitri Claeys, and Franky Van Haesebroucke is led by Gerben Thijssen. Laurenz Rex and Taco van der Hoorn reinforce the train of the Belgian sprinter, composed of ,Huub Artz, Adrien Petit, Gijs Van Hoecke and Roel van Sintmaartensdijk. Huub Artz, who stepped up from Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz development team, is competing in his first World Tour race this Wednesday on the occasion of this Classic Brugge-De Panne.

"I was eagerly awaiting my first World Tour race and I'm delighted that it's the Classic Brugge-De Panne. The atmosphere on the Main Square in Bruges at the start is the perfect setting. The race itself promises an intense experience, a tough fight for positions against the best sprinter teams in the world. It's for these races that we dream of becoming a pro. Together with the group around Gerben Thijssen, we have already achieved several good performances, but in a sprint at the highest level, it's often the details that make the difference in getting an excellent result. That's why it's essential that I gain experience in every race to be able to react well in all scenarios. The goal of our sprint train will be to bring Gerben into the best possible conditions in La Panne, so he can use all his speed." "Personally, I felt very strong during our two winter training camps. After that, I was faced with illness in February and missed my planned World Tour debut at the UAE Tour. It took me time to recover, but fortunately, I could count on the team's support. My trainer Adriaan Helmantel helped me a lot to adapt my training programs and regain confidence. I have also built a strong relationship with our sports director Dimitri Claeys. Together, they devoted a lot of time to perfecting my position on the bike and my race preparation to be in the best condition at the start of the races. They even help me plan my move to a new house according to my training plans peak periods." "Physically and mentally, I am progressing towards my first peak form of the season. The fact that my peak form is arriving a little later than expected due to circumstances allows me to have ambitions for the Classic Brugge-De Panne and Dwars door Vlaanderen, but also for the Volta NXT Classic. Last year, I discovered my abilities on hilly terrain during this competition in my home country. I hope to shine again this season and fight for victory."

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