Gullegem Koerse: 1-2 Punch for OPQS

Gullegem Koerse: 1-2 Punch for OPQS

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team came into Gullegem Koerse with a strong selection, and they made sure they were well represented in the final kilometers, putting four riders in a nine rider break.

Two of those riders were Matteo Trentin and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck. The two riders decided to take a risk, attacking on the final lap. As a result of their perfectly timed tactic, Trentin won, with Van Keirsbulck taking second.

"It was a fast race, with a lot of attacks immediately from the beginning," Trentin said. "Immediately after the start there was a break with Iljo Keisse. Then, there were attacks, counter attacks, and another break formed with Van Keirsbulck. I entered in this break with Tom Boonen and the others. There were about 15 or 17 riders and we worked well together. Lap after lap, we lost some riders. With two laps to go, we had nine riders left. At 7km from the finish, I attacked. I went alone, and behind me Van Keirsbulck attacked. He caught me 3km from the finish. Guillaume arrived on my wheel and then at the sprint, I won."

This is Trentin's first professional victory, and the 35th for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team this season in three disciplines. Fourteen riders have won for the team on the road in 2012.

"For me, it's a great satisfaction," Trentin said. "I won a race here in Belgium near our headquarters — the headquarters of the team near our sponsors. So, it was something nice because at each race in Belgium, there is a big public that cheers and supports our team. It was fantastic, and even though the first part of the season I think I did a good job, I know this victory is something special. It is something I will never forget. Your first professional victory is something you can't forget."