Yesterday Sven Nys proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with when he finished third in the Bpost Bank Trofee race in Lille.

Finally a podium," he told Sporza afterwards. "As you can see, perseverance pays off. I was up against very fast riders like Pauwels and Van der Haar. And Van Aert pulled really hard. So I'm very happy with third place.

"How do they say it in English? What does not kill you, makes you stronger. I'm trying to finish this season with a good feeling. I am still not riding as I would like it still not as I would like, but I try to make the best out of it. "