2024-04-22 14:33:09
Weather conditions in the Walloon region of Belgium continued to be unusually cool and rainy at the end of April. In Liège on Sunday morning, the air temperature was only +5 degrees Celsius. Heavy rain also fell in the region from time to time.
In the world’s oldest one-day cycling race, which is also one of the five cycling monuments, Latvia was represented in the men’s competition by Toms Skujiņš. Carnikavietis, together with other drivers of the “Lidl – Trek” unit, focused on the work of supporting their leader and Danish champion Matias Skjelmoses. The Dane had seemingly recovered from frostbite during Wednesday’s ‘La Fleche Wallonie’ bike ride.
The 175 participants of the competition tested their strength in the 254-kilometer distance, which included 11 categorized climbs. They were supplemented by a whole series of smaller elevations. During the distance, the air temperature rose a little, but the riders received a good rain shower in the final part.
There were also several falls. One of them also delayed such favorites as Mathieu van der Poole and Tom Pidcock, who ended up in the following group behind Thaddeus Pogachar. The Slovenian’s teammates from the UAE Team did an important job to make Van der Pool consume a lot of power in the catch. Meanwhile, Toms Skujiņš was clearly visible in front of the group on several occasions. It was clear that the Latvian is here to take care of the team leader’s support. This was manifested both in taking the jackets and in giving a leeward wind and securing the position.
Thaddeus Poagachar’s attack on the “Côte de la Redoute” climb 34 kilometers before the finish proved to be decisive in the fight for victory. In a very short time he gained more than 20 seconds advantage over his closest followers. The advantage continued to grow with each kilometer and no one doubted Pogachar’s chances of winning.
On one of the next climbs, the already small group of followers split up after Ben Healy made the attack. He was later joined by Benoit Confrois, Romain Bardet and others. Only Emīlas Liepiņš’s teammate Bardė was able to stay in the lead from this company. Pogachar’s position was not threatened in any way. Unfortunately, Skjelmose lost contact with the leading group of followers.
At the finish line, Tadej Pogachar confidently finished first, dedicating the victory to his fiancee’s mother, who passed away two years ago. He spent 6 hours 13 minutes and 48 seconds on the track. The second place was defended by Barde (+00:01:39), but Mathieu van der Pool (+00:02:02) remained unbeaten in the intense fight for the third place.
Among the “Lidl – Trek” riders, the Dutchman Bauke in Mollem finished the highest, in 13th place. Toms Skujins finished 9 minutes and 29 seconds behind the winner and took 48th place in the competition of 175 athletes. Tom has 15 more UCI World Ranking points.
This was the most successful spring stage of Skujin’s career. The Carnik resident earned UCI World Ranking points in all 12 competitions in which he competed. In total, this year Tom has accumulated 697 UCI World Ranking points, being among the top 30 athletes on the planet.
Now Tom will take a short break to continue preparing for the rest of the season with renewed vigor.
2024-04-22 14:33:09