Van De Walle wins second straight Halle-Ingooigem

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Jurgen Van De Walle (Quick Step) soloed to victory today at Halle-Ingooigem, winning the 198.6km event for the second consecutive year. Arnoud Van Groen (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team) finished alone in second place, 21 seconds behind Van De Walle, while Greg Van Avermaet (Omega Pharma-Lotto) won the sprint for third 28 seconds later from a six-man chase group.

"I am very happy," Van De Walle said. "I am the first rider able to win two times in a row at this race which is special. This victory is great for motivation ahead of the Tour de France.

"I have to say thanks to the team and particularly to Stijn Devolder that in the final part of the race blocked all the attacks behind me."

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Van De Walle was part of an eight-man escape which formed with 20km remaining in the race. Also included in the break were Van De Walle's teammate Stijn Devolder, Arnoud Van Groen and Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil), Greg Van Avermaet (Omega Pharma-Lotto), Huub Duyn (Team Netapp), Bert Scheirlinckx (Landbouwkrediet) and Andy Cappelle (Verandas Willems).

Devolder launched an attack on the Tiegemberg, but his escape attempt was neutralised. With three kilometres remaining Van De Walle found the right moment to attack and he soloed away to victory. Van Groen set off in pursuit, but was unable to reach the Belgian and settled for second place. Van Avermaet won the sprint from the remainder of the break for third place.