Danny van Poppel became a household name in cycling with his sprint victory in the Vuelta a Espana. But for the 22-year old rider, his uphill victory in the Tour de Wallonie was moreimportant. That was confirmation that he is more than a sprinter and his move to Team Sky was a just reward.

Danny van Poppel has a turbulent season. The ultimate revenge for a disappointing first half came on July 29 at the Tour de Wallonie. In the finale of stage five he used a tremendous power explosion on the cobbles of the steep wall in Thuin to beat top favorite Philippe Gilbert in his own backyard. The classics star had no response to the Trek rider who showed that he is not just a rider for high speed.

"When I think back on this season, the stage in Wallonia stands out," Van Poppel told Wielerrevue. "If you beat Gilbert in 'his' finish, it is very cool. I will always remember that stage, because I showed - on television - that I am more than a sprinter. I knew it already, but I hope this is my breakthrough as a classisc rider with a certain punch. To finish solo on a climb like that is much nicer than waiting all day for a sprint. I want to be on the list with Degenkolb, Kristoff, Boonen."

Next year Van Poppel will strengthen the classics department at Sky.