Today was the "Grote Textielprijs" at Vichte (Belgium) an individual pro race over 158 kilometres (14 laps).
The winner was Iljo Keisse (Chocolat Jacques - TopSport Vlaanderen) ahead of Jan Kuyckx (Crédit Agricole Belge -Tönissteiner)
and Stijn Ennekens (Unibet.com). Track specialist Keisse seems to be ready for the Six Days season
which starts next month.
After about 75 kilometers 34 riders attacked and formed a big breakaway group. With 50 kilometers to go 8
riders attacked out of this break away group and managed to keep their lead until the finish.
Björn Leukemans (Predictor-Lotto) used it as a last test before Stuttgart, he finished 5th. Leukemans told
sporza.be: "This was a beautiful training. We were riding fast from the start." Leukemans continued by saying: "On wednesday
I will train on a few hills, by the way I will ride home by bike."
"The worlds? I don't know the course. I heard it is similar with the Amstel Gold Race. If I have a supurb
day I might be able to do something in Stuttgart," Leukemans concluded.
Frederik Willems (Liquigas) came in 26th. Willems said: "My goal here was to train, not to win. Before the
race I already did 70 kilometers. Now I will do 70 more kilometers. The fitness is there, now I hope to have a top day in
Stuttgart."
Results
1. Iljo Keisse Bel (Chocolade Jacques - TopSport Vlaanderen)
2. Jan Kuyckx Bel (Landbouwkrediet)
3.
Stijn Ennekens Bel (Unibet.com)
4. Algirdas Mockus Lit (Klaipeda)
5. Björn Leukemans Bel (Predictor-Lotto)
6. Frederik
Veuchelen Bel (Chocolade Jacques - TopSport Vlaanderen) at 3"
7. Jens Mouris Ned (DFL-Cyclingnews)
8. Maxime
Vantomme Bel (Beveren 2000) at 26"
9. Simas Kondrotas Lit (Klaipeda) at 3'54"
10. Mindaugas Goncaras
Lit (Jan Snel) at 3'56"
