From the DQS press release: Sensing that it was the right moment to go, Dries upped the tempo and bridged across inside the last four kilometers without ever looking back. With the gap between the duo and the chasers sitting at seven seconds, it was a nail-biting final, and our rider played the scenario perfectly, coming around his opponent just before the last bend and punching clear with the finish line in sight. Beaming with happiness after his maiden World Tour win, Devenyns sat down and analysed Sunday’s 171.7km-long World Tour race. “You could see it was very aggressive from the beginning, when it didn’t take long for the peloton to be in pieces. When this happened, I was at the back but I remained calm, knowing a regrouping should take place, which it did. With two laps to go, the race split again and this time I was at the front”, Dries said of what proved to be the most important moment of the race. “I found myself outnumbered there as some teams had several riders, so more options, but I also knew I had good legs so I kept my confidence, even when they rode hard over the top of the climb. Then, when Sivakov attacked, I decided to go with him and we gave everything, I had no idea how good he was in a sprint, but I pack a good kick and I knew I had my chance, so I gave it my best. At the end of the day, I am happy I could bring it home for the Wolfpack!” | share this photo |