ProTeam Maiden pro victory for Florian Vermeersch at Antwerp Port Epic

Lotto Soudal rider Florian Vermeersch took his first professional victory in Antwerp today. In the final of the Antwerp Port Epic, the 23-year-old Belgian was part of a six-rider front group that would battle for victory. In a thrilling final, Florian Vermeersch soloed to his first win as a pro after a tactical game between the escapees. Gianni Vermeersch and Thibau Nys accompanied Florian on the podium. With an eighth place for Arnaud De Lie, Lotto Soudal had another rider in the top ten. This result delivered De Lie also the lead in the Exterioo Cycling Cup. Florian Vermeersch winning the Antwerp Port Epic means Lotto Soudal’s 16^th victory of the season.

With 36 kilometres of unpaved roads and 28 kilometres of cobblestones, the fifth edition of the Antwerp Port Epic was guaranteed to be a spectacle and so it also turned out. Already early in the race, Lotto Soudal took the initiative and on the numerous gravel sections, the peloton was systematically reduced. In a real battle of attrition, it was attack after attack with Lotto Soudal always attentive at the front. After numerous attempts, the Antwerp Port Epic was eventually decided at 30 kilometres from the finish when six riders  - including Florian Vermeersch – went clear. The six worked together really well and it soon became clear that the winner would come from the front group. With a reassuring lead on the first chasers, the tactical battle between the escapees begun with just under ten kilometres to go. In a nail-biting final, it was Florian Vermeersch who made a smart move that finally created a gap with the young Belgian staying in front and taking his first professional victory.

“I can’t really believe it yet that I won my first pro race”, said Florian Vermeersch. “The plan was to open the race quite early and make it a hard day on the bike. That worked out pretty well because it was a real battle of attrition. This was a strong team performance today because with five Lotto Soudal riders in the peloton, we had the race well under control. In the end I was part of a six-man breakaway and thanks to the right composition, we quickly realised we were going for the win.”

In a tactical final, it was Florian Vermeersch who eventually came out on top. “The technical nature, unpaved roads, cobbles and long efforts during this Antwerp Port Epic suited me to the ground. I felt strong in the final but still it was a bit of a gamble. There were lots of attacks and of course you can’t respond to every move. In the end, I made the right decision, tried to surprise and could create a gap. From three kilometres to the finish, it really was a man-to-man battle. I’m really glad I could hold it until the end. However I had to keep pushing and only at about fifty metres from the finish I was sure of winning. A small mistake in the last kilometre made it even more exciting so I’m glad it didn’t cost me the win today.”

“This first pro victory obviously gives me a wonderful feeling. After a disappointing spring and the bad luck I had to deal with, this victory is very satisfying. Last week I was also in a good position during Tro Bro Léon but had bad luck. Today I was able to finish it off and it’s always nice to reward the team’s confidence with a victory. I’m looking forward to what’s to come”, concludes the young Lotto Soudal rider.

Images: Photo News & Brecht Steenhouwer.