Intermarché-Circus-Wanty showed its team colors in the first edition of the Figueira Champions Classic this Sunday, by finishing with three riders in the top ten after animating the whole race. This new Portuguese Classic, the first one to welcome World Teams, was held in the region Figueira da Foz (Coimbra).
Young riders Axel Huens and Dylan Vandenstorme, members of Development Team Circus- ReUz-Technord, started their season helping their leaders and this controlled the gap with the early breakaway of seven riders until the entrance of the local circuit.
This circuit, which contained the Rua Parque Florestal climb (2km at 8.5%), had to be accomplished three times. In the last lap, with 40 kilometer to go, Rune Herregodts joined a breakaway of seven riders, leading the race until the last 15 kilometer.
He was then joined by thirteen riders, among whom his teammates Rui Costa and Kobe Goossens. This group of strong riders sprinted for the victory in the streets of Figueira da Foz. Despite his efforts, Herregodts crossed the line in second position. Costa was fourth and Goossens concluded the top ten.
« Our team deserves this podium. First, our young talents of Circus-ReUz-Technord, Axel Huens and Dylan Vandenstorme, controlled the race from the start without help from other teams. Once the breakaway was caught on the local circuit, we raced aggressively. Our strategy enabled us to be present in the leading group with Rui Costa, Kobe Goossens and myself. We wanted to anticipate a sprint, but the teams EF and Soul-Quick Step neutralized everything. We started the sprint from the second line because of the headwind, which resulted in second and fourth place in the end. Immediately after the race I felt disappointed about missing the victory, but now I realize that this podium is a nice reward for the efforts made all winter. My confidence is reinforced going to the Tour of Algarve, a race I’m looking forward to with two uphill finishes and a closing time trial and in which the team aims for a good general classification! »
