This Sunday March 30th, Intermarché-Wanty returned to the race that has marked its history in recent years, Gent-Wevelgem, a classic won by Biniam Girmay in 2022.
After a fierce battle through the winds in the Moeren and the different ascents of the Kemmelberg, the Walloon World Team managed to finish with its two leaders Girmay and Laurenz Rex in the top ten.
Finishing 49 seconds behind winner Mads Pedersen, Biniam Girmay and Rex respectively secured seventh and tenth place in the sprint for second place at the end of the 250 kilometer race.
“With these weather conditions we knew it would be a long relentless battle and with the team we were read to fight from the start. Our teammates sacrificed themselves to make sure Laurenz and me were well positioned all the time. This enabled us to continuously be present in the first group, in the crosswinds and on the climbs. Unfortunately we lacked manpower to chase Mads Pedersen. I felt better towards the end of the race, so Laurenz offered to do a lead out for me in the sprint. The podium felt within reach, and I’m initially disappointed with seventh place. But this will fuel my hunger. Dwars door Vlaanderen on my birthday and the Tour of Flanders await, and I’m ready.”
"Biniam Girmay and I had a protected role in this Gent-Wevelgem, and together we were escaped several times with a group of strong riders. Unfortunately, we never succeeded in making the definitive difference. Therefore, we had to maintain constant focus to position ourselves as well as possible, which made it not only physically but also mentally an intense battle. Mads Pedersen managed to bridge the gap to the early breakaway, and because no team immediately took the initiative, I understood from that moment that we were probably fighting for second place. In the approach to the sprint, I gave Biniam Girmay a lead-out, and eventually, I also finished just inside the top ten. Considering the field of participants, we can certainly be satisfied with this. The team's confidence gives me wings; I want to shine in Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders before my dream race, Paris-Roubaix."
