Stefan Küng has never won a big classic despite being close several times in the past. The Swissman tried his luck again at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but against a strong chasing group and headwind, his attack had little hope of succeeding.
“It was quite tough but we felt that the headwind was blocking the race quite a bit,” commented Küng on team website. “We expected things to move a bit more, but the wind actually slowed down the attempts,” added sports director Frédéric Guesdon.
“We have to accept that we weren’t strong enough” – No excuses for Visma after disappointing Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
“We have to accept that we weren’t strong enough” – No excuses for Visma after disappointing Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Küng had waited for a long time, but finally took off with 8 kilometers remaining. “I knew it was the right moment,” confided the Swiss rider, “but I was alone, and it was really hard with the headwind. On long straights, it wasn’t easy, but once in this situation, I didn’t look back. I pushed and that was it.”
Although he was able to quickly take a ten-second lead, a pack of around fifty men nevertheless reformed behind him. “That’s also where the headwind made the difference, because after the Bosberg, many riders were able to come back and lead the chase behind me,” he said. “In these conditions, it’s difficult to fight. Despite everything, I knew that it was my best chance, I gave it my all even though I felt in my legs that I was at the end of a two-hundred-kilometre race.”
Five kilometres from the finish, Stefan Küng held a promising lead of fifteen seconds, but the group behind was too powerful enough to catch the Groupama – FDJ rider just under the flamme rouge. “Unfortunately the race was a kilometre too long,” he said. “I gave it my all, I believed in it, and I have no regrets. I think I had a good race and that’s how I want to race in the Classics this year.”
“We’re off to a good start and I’m leaving this Omloop Het Nieuwsblad feeling confident,” added Stefan. “I certainly don’t feel like I’m at 100% yet, but I’m where I want to be.” The Swiss rider will skip the follow-up semi-classic Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne to focus on upcoming races.
