Sean De Bie was third today at the Druivenkoers in Overijse. He was on his way to the finish line with Wanty – Groupe Gobert duo Jérôme Baugnies and Marco Marcato, but had cramps in the end. Tiesj Benoot, who was part of a break with Vegard Breen and Sean De Bie, finished in sixth place.

“The beginning of the race was pretty controlled with an early breakaway of four that was caught quite early," De Bie said. "Tiesj Benoot and I could save our energy for the finale. We got ahead in a large front group. First, Tiesj responded to an attack of Leukemans, then I got away with Marcato.

"Five kilometres before the finish Baugnies joined Marcato and me. I wanted to stay alert with two teammates around me and kept riding in second position, I only pulled a few times . Unfortunately, on the last ascent of the Schavei I got cramps and couldn’t defend my chances.

"It's an event that I like, but you still need good legs to be there. Tiesj (Benoot) and I were the protected riders. Once in the lead group, Marcato attacked and I followed. I felt he was a little stronger than me. Not a lot, but I let him do the lion's share of the work. Baugnies came back and at that moment, I understood that the situation would be complicated. I wanted to save myself for the last ascent of Schavei. I tried to follow but I started to have cramps. They got a few seconds and I was never able to join them.

"I'm a bit disappointed not to win, but also happy with a podium finish. This is a confirmation that my condition is better. I have mixed feelings: it’s a good sign of my shape, but it’s a pity with the cramps because I think winning would have been possible.

"Now I will do the Tour of Britain with André Greipel, Marcel Sieberg and Jens Debusschere, so I will work for the team before doing a few one-day races in Belgium."

"I'm disappointed," Benoot told Directvelo. "Leukemans attacked, I followed it pretty easily. Then I suffered from stomach problems and I never recovered. I did not have another attack and the group returned on the last climb. It's a shame, because it's the kind of race where I have to be there.

 
"I may have been dehydrated but such heat is always tricky. My legs were not bad, but I did not have a great day. On Sunday in Plouay, it will get better. It will be cooler and it's a different kind of race."