Devolder not ready
Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was expected to have one win on the board for this season...
Stijn Devolder (Discovery Channel) was expected to have one win on the board for this season already, but the results aren't showing yet. "The form is there though" he told HLN. "Maybe I'm even stronger than last year, but the results aren't there yet. In the three days of De Panne I wasn't bad, but that's all I can say. It finished with that. I have to accept that. Maybe it will be different in Liege-Bastogne-Liege?"
Dirk Demol had carefully suggested that Devolder try to go for a long breakaway, like Demol did in 1988 (he rode 222km in front). "That's not my plan," reacted Devolder. "I'd rather save my power for the finale. I have ridden Paris-Roubaix twice before. That was mainly to gain experience. Now I want to ride the finale. Win? No, I'm not ready for that.
"The Bois de Wallers has improved. The stones are less slippery but they are put down just as bad. Take it from me: the Forest will remain the turning point."
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