Yesterday Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) became a hugely surprising Belgian road race champion when he beat Jurgen Roelandts in a two-rider sprint.

"From the first lap, I was part of the action and I always did my part of the work. I certainly not stole the victory. In the final part I was with someone (Jurgen Roelandts, ed.) who is faster than me. But in the end I had a little more power I think."

In the final phase, the group of favorites was very close to Van Hecke and Roelandts.

"I knew that three rider were coming, including Devolder. Then it was a little gambling. Normal the peloton plays a little with us  in such a situation but now it was fortunately the reverse situation and we played with the them. I really have to thank my teammates, they were the perfect lightning rod. Chapeau to those guys.

"Honestly, I've been thinking about Belgian title this week. I got confidence in Slovakia and recently in Ruddervoorde. Then you just have to take your chance. And now? I think I will have a big party tonight."

Today Van Hecke elaborated on his thoughts at a press conference.

"There will now be a lot of change in my life," said the rider from Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise. "After the podium ceremony, the doping control and the press conference I ate everything at the hotel with my teammate Oliver Naesen. After what we went to a fan café in Zele. I was home at one o'clock. I have watched the last five kilometers on television. Today I have been back in training but we started half an hour later than usual."

"[In the sprint] I thought: It's now or never. Tactically I did it well. I had no stress because I had nothing to lose. I remained calm, because I have 12 years experience and have still won several races.

"When you see that Jürgen Roelandts and Greg Van Avermaet were with me on the podium, it gives even more sparkle to my title. Do I see this as a revenge against Lotto (which he had to leave in 2007, ed.)? Not at all. That's a long time ago. I can't hold a ground on anyone for several years.

"Now I want to show my jersey as much as possible. I will continue to attack. That jersey is an extra motivation to train and remain focused on my sporting life."

Flemish Minister for Sport Philippe Muyters is very happy with Van Hecke's .He doesn't see the rider who will celebrate his 33rd birthday next week, as atypical in Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise, which usually is a team for young riders.

"Preben is no longer the youngest, but as a road captain he gives his experience to the young people," Muyters said. "He's behind them when needed, but also gives them peace. So he fulfills his role in the team. Topsport Vlaanderen has been working for 20 years. Last year, six riders made the move to another team and that is a sign of recognition. Now they deliver an absolute top performance."