Luca van Boven combines the Flandrian classics with the Ardennes ones. Our runner showed himself to his advantage at the Flèche Brabant where he played his card in the final with the group of the best. He wants to show the jersey in the two Ardennes classics, of which the Flèche Wallonne will, according to him, be the most open.
Luca van Boven. “I am in good condition and I showed it at Flèche Brabant where I was with the best in the final. But I remain a little disappointed with my result in Overijse where I should have done better than 27e place. I deserved better. I am now introducing myself to the two Walloon classics, La Flèche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. I think that Flèche Wallonne will be the most open and will therefore provide more space for expression. The Mur de Huy will, in any case, be the justice of the peace. This race must suit me better than Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which is longer and whose profile suits me less well. The primary goal will be to offer as much visibility as possible to the team by integrating the morning breakaway. We will certainly have to appreciate and take advantage of these two great moments. »
French program. “After the classics, I will embark on a French program with the Tro Bro Léon, the Tour du Finistère, the Boucles de l’Aulne and the 4 Jours de Dunkerque. So many great opportunities to perform well and score UCI points for the team. »
Flandriennes-Ardennaises. “I perform in both calendars but I prefer the Flandrian bumps, which are shorter, harder, and which correspond better to my current profile. »
Walloon arrow. Our runners delivered a very good performance in an 88th Flèche Wallonne which will go down in cycling annals due to the terrible weather conditions which weighed on the race. John Meens actively participated in the morning breakaway before pushing his effort to the end and finishing in 39th place. Luca van Boven attacked the fourth and final climb of the Mur de Huy in the group of favorites. He ranked 28th. “The Flèche Wallonne was very tough. I usually resist the cold well and it didn't really scare me, but we were still all in survival mode, with the rain, the storm, the snow, the hail. In the final, the team told me that there were only around thirty men left in the race, that caught my attention. And there was still quality in the group. It was in any case a long elimination race, which always suits me well. »
Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Loïc Vliegen was one of the members of the morning breakaway of nine riders. “ I am very happy to have been able to join the morning breakaway from Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a mission that I had mentioned. Which proves that my condition is improving from race to race after a physically very difficult start to the season. I was encouraged by many, many supporters. The Doyenne takes place on the training routes. I know that I still have to work to get back to my best level but my performance in Liège shows that I am on the right track. »
