In the first edition of Famenne Ardenne Classic (1.1, 11/10) Wanty-Groupe Gobert made a strong collective impression. The team broke up the race at the foot of the Côte de Charneux. Xandro Meurisse and Guillaume Martin jumped away and got the company of Martijn Budding. The trio gained an advantage of 30 seconds, but Lotto Soudal controlled in the peloton. As last survivor, Martin was caught in the last five kilometers. The victory in Marche-en-Famenne was disputed in a sprint of a reduced group. Meurisse finishes 6th and six Wanty-Group Gobert riders finish in the top 25. With this result the team takes over the lead in the UCI Europe Tour from Cofidis, with two races remaining.
Xandro Meurisse:
“We accelerated on the penultimate climb with three riders. We quickly gained 30 seconds, but we did not have an extra power. Budding did not work, so we had to pull with only two riders. The wind made it tough. At first Monfort was the only one chasing, but later he also got assistance from Armée. Then it became difficult. “
“In the sprint I missed freshness to finish on the podium. If I see Hofland and Vermeulen 1-2, I can say that I finish the season with a nice result. I came to Marche for more, but I have to be satisfied with this 6th place. Thus we grab important points for the UCI Europe Tour. I hope my teammates can defend the lead.”
“I’m happy with my first season at the team. I finish the year with seven or eight podiums. I got a lot of support in the team and in the last few weeks we were able to turn our collective mind into results. Next year I want to work on on this dynamic . From my side I hope to turn the close spots into victories. “
Result
1. Moreno Hofland
2. Emiel Vermeulen
3. Maxime Vantomme
6. Xandro Meurisse
16. Kevin Van Melsen
17. Guillaume Martin
18. Frederik Backaert
20. Thomas Degand
23. Fabien Doubey
26. Marco Minnaard + 00:09
DNF Brecht Dhaene
