We saw an attack of Mieke Docx in the finale of Classic Brugge-De Panne, the first WorldTour race of the season for the Lotto Soudal Ladies team. The 25-year-old Belgian attacked with just over ten kilometres to go. The break didn’t last, but Mieke then turned to Plan B: sprinting. Unfortunately a crash right in front of her, prevented her from taking part in the sprint for a top result.
Mieke Docx: “I am disappointed that I couldn’t defend my chances in the sprint. I was riding in fourth position when a rider crashed in front of me. Otherwise I would have been able to play along for a top ten result.”
“I knew that my attack with just over 10 km to go, was unlikely to succeed. But the pace dropped and I wanted to give it a chance. I got one rider with me, but she didn’t do any turns at the front. When we were caught, I tried to get positioned for the sprint. I know the roads by heart, so I knew where I needed to be at the front. The past races my positioning was bad, but today it went very well. And then that crash happened.”
“This is a home race for me. We moved to Koksijde six years ago. So I was motivated to show myself today. I also tried to get in a breakaway at the beginning of the race, but that was unsuccessful. It was nice to have my parents at the side of the road, and colleagues from my mum’s work – at the hospital in Veurne – came to cheer for me as well.”
“Next up for me is Gent-Wevelgem. I am definitely in a good shape. I am soaking up this boost of confidence. I did a recon of Gent-Wevelgem one month ago. It is a hard race, but a beautiful one. I would love it if I could be part of a large breakaway on Sunday.”
In the end Mieke finished 29th. Kylie Waterreus was the Lotto Soudal Ladies’ top finisher, she got 25th. World champion Elisa Balsamo won the race.
Image: Photo News.