Marcato completes one-two for Dutch team in 50th edition
Björn Leukemans emerged victorious at the 50th edition of the Druivenkoers in Belgium, ahead of teammate Marco Marcato. The Vacansoleil team put its stamp on the race, leaving only third place for Topsport Vlaanderen’s Preben van Hecke. The trio had escaped a ten-man lead group 15 kilometers from the line.
Sports director Hilaire Van Der Schueren was happy that things went better than in France. “At Plouay the team did great but had lack of luck. Today the guys got the results.” The victory of Leukemans was the team’s 12th of the season.
Johnny Hoogerland made the team’s day even better, getting fourth. The ten riders escaped around 60 kilometers from the finish of the 200km race. When the trio went it was almost certain the winner would be a Vacansoleil rider.
“I had come to an agreement with Marcato that I should win, if possible,” Leukemans told Sporza after the race. “I was still owed one,” Leukemans added. The finish line wasn’t the end of the day for the Belgian. “I am still going to do some training. I will ride my bike home.”
Leukemans wants to put the added kilometers to good use. “I am hoping to get selected for the World Championships,” he said.
It was Leukemans’ first win of the season. His best result so far in 2010 was a second place in Dwars door Vlaanderen in March. Previous wins include stages at the Etoile de Bessèges, the Tour of Austria and the Tour of Belgium.
Results – 200km
1. LEUKEMANS Björn VAC 4h34’52”
2. MARCATO Marco VAC 04″
3. VAN HECKE Preben TSV 04″
4. HOOGERLAND Johnny VAC 01’33”
5. GOURGUE Benjamin LAN 01’35”
6. COMMEYNE Davy LAN 01’53”
7. GOESINNEN Floris SKS 01’53”
8. VEUCHELEN Frederik VAC 01’53”
9. FRANZOI Enrico BKP 01’53”
10. VANDEWALLE Kristof TSV 02’26”