Greg Van Avermaet: «I drew on my experience»
« I didn't expect to achieve this result today. I had a good sprint, I'm very happy. My legs aren't at their best yet, but I used my experience to get into a good position, which is important in races like this. It's a podium finish in a UCI World Tour race. With Oliver (Naesen) in 4th place, we're off to a good start in the classics.»
Oliver Naesen: «A great day for the team»
« We did our best. We always hope for better, but Wout Van Aert was too strong today. I had to position Greg (Van Avermaet) for the sprint and I managed to stay on his wheel. This 4th place is a little bonus. Two in the top 5, it's a great day for the team. It's a good start to the classics season and rewards the work we've done over the last two years.»
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Geoffrey Bouchard finished eighth in the final overall standings of the UAE Tour. «I'm very happy with this first top 10 finish in a UCI World Tour stage race. I benefited from the team's work throughout the week. I continue to progress, which confirms my successful 2021 season. I'm now going to take the time to savour this and recover before turning my attention to the next goals,» said Geoffrey Bouchard.
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Clément Champoussin finishes sixth in the Faun-Ardèche Classic
Clément Champoussin took sixth place in the Faun-Ardèche Classic. Lilian Calmejane finished ninth. «COVID-19 last week put a stop to my progress. I wasn't feeling great, so I took it easy all day. I gave it everything I had on the final climb. For a comeback, it's not bad, but I hope to quickly get back to how I felt at the start of the season,» said Clément Champoussin.
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Multiple fractures of the collarbone for Lawrence Naesen
Victim of a fall in the early kilometres of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Lawrence Naesen will undergo surgery tonight for multiple fractures of the collarbone. The length of his absence will be known at a later date. He will be replaced by Stan De Wulf at the start of Kuurne – Brussels – Kuurne this Sunday.
