Antoine Demoitie (Wallonie) again proved that he is ready to turn professional when he finished fifth in the epic first stage of the Tour de Wallonie that was held in brutal conditions.

"I did not plan to go in the break today," he told Directvelo. "It was a crosswind at the top of the Cote Ben-Ahin and many riders tried their luck. So I decided to go there and it was the right choice because we joined them. At the start of the stage, I did not think it would go all the way. We had to be careful if more than ten riders escaped because echelons could be formed. 

"Terpstra and Campenaerts attacked on the last climb of the day. I could not follow them. They were clearly the strongest, especially Terpstra was above the rest. We were seven riders working behind but we could never come back. At the end of the stage, I was really in pain and I could not have done more than this. I used a lot of energy today and I hope to recover tonight for the beautiful stage tomorrow. My main goal is to win a stage. We will see what I will get in the GC."