Reigning national road champion fastest in race against the clock
Stijn Devolder clocked a time of one hour and 45 seconds on the tough 46-kilometer course in Habey-la-Neuve to clinch the Belgian national champions time trial title. Devolder already won the road championships in June, ensuring him to wear the black-yellow-red tricolore in both road races and time trials for the next ten months. Devolder beat Sébastien Rosseler by 40 seconds and Leif Hoste by 52 seconds.
The race for bronze was much closer than the competition for the win, as Devolder was just above the rest. Dominique Cornu finished just outside the podium, a mere second behind Hoste. Defending champion Maxime Monfort was fifth, 55 seconds back.
The relatively low average speed – just under 46km/h – spoke volumes about the tough course. “It was a difficult race until the very last kilometer,” Devolder said. “The track was challenging and the small gap there was between me and the closest opponent never allowed me to relax.”
In addition, there was the Belgian weather to contend with. “Rain made the race harder.” But it was well worth the pain. “This is a dream come true! After having claimed the National Road Championship title, I really only focused on this race, I wanted this historic double result. I competed at the Tour de Pologne while actually thinking about today’s competition, and during this past week I trained really hard with my time-trial bicycle in order to leave nothing to chance.”
This included knowing the two loops – one of 29 kilometers and one of 17 kilometers – very well. “Last night I checked out the circuit with our team’s Sports Director Rik Van Slycke and this morning before the race I trained again on the track.”
Devolder’s motivation is still high as the season draws to its end. “I will be racing at Eneco Tour from Tuesday. My objective is to do well and honor these two jerseys I claimed. Besides, the race will have us pedal near my hometown, so that’ll be a further motivation to do the best I can.”
“Stijn was extraordinary,” said Quick Step Sports Director Rik Van Slycke. “The track was very challenging and technical. Stijn started off really fast and improved his performance kilometer after kilometer. He always managed to change pace and sprint away when it was necessary to do so. It was very clear that he wanted this title at all costs. He truly deserved it.”
Verbeke wins women’s title
The women only had to do the 29km loop, without the 17km tagged on. Grace Verbeke was the fastest woman, 57 seconds ahead of Liesbeth De Vocht. Bronze medalist was 1’20 back and just like in the men’s race, the race for bronze was decided with a small margin.
Results – men 46km
1. DEVOLDER Stijn QST 1h00’45”
2. ROSSELER Sébastien RSH 40″
3. HOSTE Leif OLO 52″
4. CORNU Dominique SKS 52″
5. MONFORT Maxime THR 55″
6. VANDEWALLE Kristof TSV 01’17”
7. DE GENDT Thomas TSV 01’38”
8. KAISEN Olivier OLO 02’05”
9. GHYSELINCK Jan THR 02’53”
10. CAPPELLE Dieter WIL 03’18”
11. KUYCKX Jan QCT 05’14”
12. DE NEEF Steven JVB 05’51”
women – 29km
1. Grace Verbeke – 29 km in 42’55”
2. Liesbeth De Vocht – op 57″
3. Latoya Brulee – 1’20”
4. Jessie Daams – 1’20”
5. Kelly Druyts – 2’37”