(Montreal) Hugo Houle rode with a reduced squad on Wednesday in the Traverse la Flandre race in Belgium. The Israel-Premier Tech cyclist saw two of his teammates, including Guillaume Boivin, give up the competition at the start of the day, which forced him to reshuffle his cards once again.
Houle begins to know this song well. The only rider from his team to overcome Paris-Nice earlier this month, he then took part in the 64and Classic E3 Saxo Bank, where four of his teammates retired. The Quebecer also had to adapt to the withdrawal of his point guard Itamar Einhorn, last weekend, in Ghent-Wevelgem.
This time, Guillaume Boivin and Belgian Jenthe Biermans woke up in bad shape on Wednesday, while Australian Taj Jones was unable to make it to the finish in Waregem.
“That’s pretty much the story since the start of the season! I am often alone in the races that I do. It’s a shame, but these are things that we don’t really control, “admitted Hugo Houle, 42and of the day 4 minutes 12 seconds behind the winner, Dutchman Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).
Bad luck prevails
The athlete from Sainte-Perpétue was caught behind a fall that occurred with just over 100 kilometers to go. He then fought for several kilometers to find the main peloton. Already, about twenty riders had broken away in front. Belgian Sep Vanmarcke is the only other member of Israel — Premier Tech to have completed the 183 kilometers of the day and finished at 101and step (+8 minutes 43 seconds).
Mathieu Van Der Poel defeated the Belgian Tiesj Benoot (Jumbo-Visma) at the end of the race to win. Briton Thomas Pidcok (Ineos Grenadiers) ranked third, 5 seconds behind the leading duo.
“The form is good, I was extremely strong to hunt and I was able to come back,” said Hugo Houle. I’m still disappointed. With the legs I have now, I could do a lot more. »
The Quebecer adds that he is currently having one of his best seasons in terms of results and power. Despite his recent performances, he has remained on his appetite since the start of the Flandrian classics.
“Until now, I’ve been a bit unlucky in important moments. It’s Belgium, there are a lot of crashes and elements that affect racing. I have the feeling that I have more in the legs. »
Roommate of Guillaume Boivin last night, Hugo Houle is now crossing his fingers not to be overtaken by illness over the next few days. He plans to be at the start of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday and stand out on the cobbles.
“It’s no excuse (the absence of teammates) and I know I’m capable of being in front. It’s mostly bad luck. It’s clear that I would like to see everyone in good health and for the team to perform better. I stay focused on what I control and the tide will turn at some point. »
A teammate of Olivia Baril wins
Italian Chiara Consonni had finished in the top 10 six times since the start of the season, finishing second on two occasions. Teammate of Olivia Baril at Valcar-Travel & Service, she signed her first victory of the calendar on Wednesday.
“We are one of the only teams to have brought a sprinter as a plan B”, underlined the Quebecer after the 120 kilometer race, where she ranked 61and (+2 minutes 53 seconds).
“I think the other teams were expecting a tougher race to have breakaways and so didn’t bring their sprinter. Our sports director has planned it well. We are very happy to have won! »
After overcoming the biggest difficulties of the course, Olivia Baril and her teammates realized that the victory could be decided in the sprint. They then joined forces to support Chiara Consonni, who finally had the upper hand over the Belgian Julie De Wilde (Plantur-Pura) and the Swiss Elise Chabbey (Canyon//SRAM Racing) at the finish line.
Olivia Baril will be in the women’s Tour of Flanders this weekend.
