“I worked really hard with my sprint train to prepare the Tour of Spain, driven by the dream of winning a stage. But it wasn’t to be. From one day to another I had to switch my focus to new goals and this was not easy for sure. So it is nice to win here in Lichtervelde. From the start it was really nervous because of the strong wind. With the team we decided to take matters into our hands by setting the pace in the peloton. Later we received the support of other sprint teams to accelerate in the crosswinds. This enabled us to start the final with a small peloton. For the sprint I was focused on the sprint train of dsm-firmenich, until Arne Marit came from the back to make room for me and to bring me to sprint speed with 200 meter to go. He was the last element in a perfect team job today. I’m proud to reward the confidence of my teammates. At the end of a difficult race, this success confirms that I am one of the sprinters not to be neglected. This is a boost of confidence before my final four weeks of the season and even towards next year.”
