Oliver Naesen
" I had exceptional legs today ".
"I had exceptional legs today, so I'm very happy with the result. I gave a lot to try and get out of the chasing group, but I obviously paid for it a bit at the finish with cramps in the final sprint, so that's the small disappointment of the day. The team put in a fine performance with Damien (Touzé) in the early breakaway. I then joined him in the group of favourites and he did a great job for me, while Dries (De Bondt) also positioned me well at the foot of the second ascent of the Kwaremont. From then on, I felt like one of the best of the favourites, but Mathieu (Van der Poel) was already in front. Throughout the race, I told myself that between two and five would be my place, and at the finish it was seven... Not far off!"
Julien Jurdie
" You had to have a great mind and great legs.
"Mission accomplished! Congratulations to all our riders in the Tour Flanders, a race contested in difficult weather conditions during the final stage. It took mental strength and superb legs, which Oliver had today. We made it into the top 10, which was our goal for the day, but we're still a little frustrated because we wanted more and Oliver had the legs to make it onto the podium today. With Damien (Touzé) also at the front, it's been a great day, just like our classics at the start of the season. We're successful, the dynamic is good, and the group is doing well."
3
Key number
The number of top 10 finishes for the DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE team over the Flanders Classics period. After Oliver's fourth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Dries' fifth at À Travers la Flandre, today's seventh place adds to the team's fine performances in Belgium.
