This Saturday, Circus-ReUz-Technord triumphed in one of the most prestigious races of the calendar by winning the U23 version of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which was ridden on a course of 174 kilometer between Bastogne and Blegny, covering mythical climbs such as La Redoute, La Vecquée or Le Stockeu.
The riders directed by Kévin Van Melsen executed an exemplary collective race, by accompanying all race movements once the early breakaway was caught. First, Jelle Vermoote attacked before the foot of La Vecquée, with around 50 kilometer to go.
Alexy Faure then escaped two times from the peloton to follow attacks, first on La Redoute and then on the Côte de José, the penultimate climb on the course. But everything came back together with 10 kilometer to go.
In the end, a group of around ten riders battled for the win on the last slopes towards Blégny and it was Francesco Busatto who won in the sprint. The 20 years old Italian rider took his first ever victory. To crown a collective performance with five stars, all his teammates finished in the first chasing group and within the top 35: Alexy Faure(15th), Jelle Vermoote (16th), Dylan Vandenstorme (21st), Obie Vidts (34th) and Tim Rex (35th).
« It was not easy to control the race from the beginning because of the numerous attacks, until we let go a small group. The peloton strongly accelerated a first time with 100 kilometer to go. Collectively, we were able to respond to this acceleration of Jumbo-Visma. Personally, I doubted about myself because I wasn't convinced that my body reacted well after the challenging Brabantse Pijl on Wednesday. But my teammates continuously encouraged me. We were present in each race move. Our plan was to keep the peloton together so I could sprint for the victory. They executed it to perfection. I survived on the last slopes, followed the other favorites and used my fast legs to win. »
« I've been dreaming about this victory for such a long time and it now became reality. I can't believe I won Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23. It is my first victory ever. I'm very proud about myself and about the work we accomplished with the team. Not only during the race, but also with the recons for example. I'm very happy to win here in Belgium, in the country of my team. So I want to dedicate this victory to my team Circus-ReUz-Technord, the whole structure of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty and to my family. They helped me to believe more in myself. Racing for the victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège with the pros becomes my ultimate dream now. This day is an important step in my progression with the structure of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty. »
