Development Van Eetvelt delivers Lotto Soudal Development first victory of the season

Lennert Van Eetvelt has claimed the first victory of the season for the Lotto Soudal Development Team by winning La Get Up Cup Aywaille. His teammate Vincent Van Hemelen finished second and made the team success even bigger.

Van Eetvelt finished off a solo of thirty kilometres. “I am very happy with this victory, because in the past I had set up some solo attempts several times, like at the European Championships last year, which didn’t last till the end”, says Van Eetvelt.

Those previous experiences taught him a few lessons: “This time I divided my energy. I was aware that I couldn’t give my all right from the start as I did in the past. I wanted to make sure to have some power left, in case I would be caught.” And he had support from his teammates in the back. “The team protected my breakaway”, tells Van Eetvelt. “They responded to several counterattacks. When a chase was formed eventually, Vincent Van Hemelen was part of it. He conquered the second place today and that makes this victory all the more special for our team.”

After the third place of Alec Segaert at Gent-Staden and the second place of Gianluca Pollefliet at GP Lillers this is the first victory of the Lotto Soudal U23 team in this brand-new season.

“I hope we can continue this line with the team, also in the bigger races that are coming up now”, says Van Eetvelt. “My next race will be Tour de Normandie, which starts on 21 March. I also hope to set a good result at Liège-Bastogne-Liège next month. The type of course is similar to the one of today, although tougher, and with even stronger opponents. Still, today’s victory gives me confidence for that race.”