Paul Martens proved today in Belgium’s Brabantse Pijl one-day race that he is back to his former level after illness whipped him out earlier this month. The German Team LottoNL-Jumbo rider finished just outside the top ten, 11th, behind winner Ben Hermans of BMC.

The course from Leuven to Overijse covered 26 climbs, including the Schavei with 200 metres to race. The 700-metre long climb kicked up to 12 per cent at its worst.

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal), Alex Kirsch (Cult) and Anthony Delaplace (Brétagne) formed the day’s main breakaway. With 40 kilometres to go, all three were reeled in by the bunch. Several attacks followed.

Belgian Ben Hermans’ attempt proved to be too much for the rest of the pack. He soloed to victory while the others tried to regroup behind.

A couple of seconds behind, the first chase group sprinted for second. Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) won the kick ahead of Hermans’ team-mate Philippe Gilbert.

“I felt good today during the race,” said Martens.

“In the sprint, I was able to tell that I haven’t raced for three weeks because I felt that I still missed some power. I’m happy, though.

“It was very tough also because of the heat. It was the first hot race day of the year, which is always unique. That good feeling is back, which makes me happy.”

Sports Director Merijn Zeeman was happy to see Wilco Kelderman race on Wednesday. Kelderman fell sick over weekend and until Tuesday, was uncertain whether he would be able to ride.

“I’m glad that Wilco was here today,” Zeeman said, while driving the team car behind his riders, who opted for a 1.5-hour training ride back to the hotel.

“Logically, he missed the legs to stay with the best men in the race until the final kilometre. That’s inevitable in a tough sport like cycling. Luckily, he is healthy again.”