'I wanted to race without regrets' - Vermeersch reflects on gritty third at Omloop Nieuwsblad

Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) raced with no regrets as he battled his way to third place at Omloop Nieuwsblad on Saturday in traditional gritty Classics weather. 

“I was there to win, I put all my cards on the table, and I’m happy with the way I raced,” Vermeersch told reporters at the finish. 

The 26-year-old Belgian had accelerated into the base of the Molenberg and was starting to build up a small advantage as a crash from behind on the wet cobbles caused chaos in the bunch. 

Vermeersch would be joined by Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and eventually, Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) over the summit before the trio caught the remnants of the breakaway.

Vermeersch was asked by reporters at the finish if he was aware of what was happening behind him when he hit the Molenberg. 

“To be honest, no, but my plan was to go full on the Molenberg, to turn first no matter what. I think the team did an amazing job, and then we would see the damage on the top,” said Vermeersch.

“When I was at the top, I saw that I had a little gap with Mathieu, and there’s one thing I said before coming into the Classics, which is that I wanted to race without regrets, and that’s what I did, so I’m happy.”

Van der Poel powered away from Vermeersch and Van Dijke on the slopes of the Muur van Geraardsbergen with 16km remaining, the race-winning moment, on the Dutchman’s debut at the race.

Vermeersch looked to be suffering from gear problems at that point, but the Belgian admitted it wouldn't have changed the final outcome when asked about it.

“Yeah, I wanted to shift to my small ring, but the chain was blocked a little bit, and at that moment the cramps started coming," said Vermeersch when asked about the gear problem. “I couldn't close the gap, so it’s a bit of a shame, but I think Mathieu was the strongest.”

The Belgian was asked if he saw that as an excuse, but Vermeersch acknowledged the sheer strength of Van der Poel.

“No, maybe the gap would have been a bit smaller on the top, I don’t know, but it is what it is. I think it wouldn’t have made a big difference. Mathieu was going to win.”

In his fifth appearance at the race, it was comfortably the Belgian’s best result, as he was outsprinted by Van Dijke, and a positive indication that the form is there ahead of the Spring goals to come, but he is keeping his feet on the ground.

“It’s early days, but it’s nice to be here. I think now the big thing is just to keep focused and take care, don't get sick, and we go from race to race, but it's always better to start the Classics season in a good way,” concluded Vermeersch.