Oliver Naesen (Topsport Vlaanderen) confirmed that he is destined for a great future in the world of cycling when he claimed his first pro win in the Coupe de France race La Polynormande. The Belgian joined a strong 5-rider group that bridged the gap to a lead trio and made the selection to be part of the 6-rider group that decided the race in a sprint in which he beat Fabrice Jeandesboz and Antoine Duchesne (both Europcar) into the minor positions.

Until last year, Oliver Naesen was largely unknown in the professional cycling world but he made many aware of his big talent when he rode strongly for Lotto Belisol as a stagiaire in the final part of the 2014 season. His exploits earned him his first professional contract with the Topsport Vlaanderen team and this year he has continued to prove his worth at the highest level.

Until now the elusive first pro win has always eluded him but today he broke the drought when he came out on top in La Polynormande which is the first race of the Coupe de France race series since the end of May. By going on the attack in the finale, the Belgian denied pre-race favourite Nacer Bouhanni his second victory in three days after the Cofidis rider won the Circuito de Getxo two days ago.

"I'm really happy," he told Directvelo. "Early in the season, I was hoping to get my first win quickly not to feel pressure. I had to wait a bit.

"In the penultimate lap we were six riders who attacked on the climb. As there were 3 riders from Bretagne and 2 from Europcar, I tried not to do any work. We quickly got back to the three breakaway riders. At that moment I knew I would win (laughs). In the sprint, I was a little afraid of Pierrick Fedrigo but he was dropped 2km from the finish. 

"I enjoy this kind of course even if I did not know it. I am used to ride in the final kilometers to prepare the sprints but I do not like to do them. 

"I'm pretty happy with my first year as a pro: I managed to finish 6th in the Tour of Belgium and 7th in the Tour of Luxembourg. Next week I'll be at the Eneco Tour. I live there so I hope to show myself me during the event. Regarding results, I do not know yet."