It was extremely pleasing to see Wout Poels eventually regaining strength and confidence after a dramatic crash he suffered in the 2012 edition of the Tour de France. With a significant support from the Omega Pharma-Quick Step, the 26-year old Dutchman bounced back to win a queen stage at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and now chases further success in the only classic held in the Netherlands.

Despite playing a supporting role to Michał Kwiatkowski in the Basque Country, Poels emerged as strong enough to wreak havoc and cause some serious splits on the final ascent of the Pais Vasco queen stage. Apparently allowed to play his own cards by the Omega Pharma-Quick Step, the 26-year old Dutchmen rode away from the likes of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) to take his first victory of 2014 season, the one he called “the most important of his career.”

Encouraged by his splendid latest performances, Poels informed via his Twitter account that he intends to continue in the same line in the Ardennes classics, particularly the Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race.

Even though the 26-year old Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider did not believe in a possibility of contesting podium spots in those races, he still expected himself to improve on his previous achievements. With his best result from two appearances in the Amstel Gold Race being 82nd spot it shouldn’t be too tough challenge for the Dutchman.

He already did well in the build-up Brabantse Pijl yesterday, crossing the finish line as 15th.