Arnaud De Lie

Arnaud De Lie is one of Belgium’s most exciting young cycling talents. Born in 2002 and riding for Lotto, he is known for his raw power, fearless sprinting and ability to win on both flat and hilly terrain. Nicknamed "The Bull of Lescheret," De Lie burst onto the professional scene in 2022 and quickly became the central figure in his team’s revival. In his first three seasons as a pro, he racked up more than 20 victories, including a national title, a WorldTour classic, and multiple one-day races. With his roots in rural Wallonia and his head firmly on his shoulders, De Lie has become a fan favourite and a symbol of Belgium’s new generation.

Arnaud De Lie was born in the small village of Lescheret, in the Ardennes region of southern Belgium. He grew up on a dairy farm, helping his parents with daily chores and hard physical work. From an early age, he combined life on the farm with a growing love for cycling. He began riding competitively at the age of seven and showed natural talent as a strong, aggressive rider. His older brother also raced, and the family often traveled long distances to Flemish races where the level of competition was higher. This early exposure to tough Belgian racing helped shape De Lie into a durable, all-weather rider.

As a junior, De Lie quickly stood out. He won the Belgian national junior road title in 2019 and earned a bronze medal at the European Championships in 2020. In his final year as a junior, he dominated stage races and one-day events, proving he could win uphill and on rougher terrain. His results attracted interest from professional teams, but Lotto Soudal (now Lotto) moved quickly to bring him into their development program.

In 2021, riding for the Lotto U23 team, De Lie continued to impress. He won the U23 version of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and took multiple stage victories in European stage races. His performances combined sprint power with tactical intelligence, and he developed a reputation as a rider who could finish races off with authority. By mid-2021, Lotto had already announced that De Lie would step up to the professional ranks for the 2022 season. The team saw in him a rider who could become a cornerstone for years to come.

De Lie’s professional debut in 2022 was one of the most successful rookie seasons in recent memory. He won nine races, including the Trofeo Playa de Palma in Mallorca, the Volta Limburg Classic, and several one-day races in Belgium. His ability to handle crosswinds, cobbles and short climbs made him more than just a sprinter. He consistently delivered results in tough conditions and earned critical UCI points that helped Lotto Dstny remain competitive in the team rankings. His sprinting power and durability made him a rider to watch, and he quickly became a leader in the team despite his age.

In 2023, De Lie added ten more victories, including his first WorldTour win at the Grand Prix de Québec. He also finished second in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, just behind Dylan van Baarle, showing he could contend in the spring classics. Other highlights included wins at the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana, stages in Étoile de Bessèges, and the Famenne Ardenne Classic. His performances confirmed that he was not just a flash in the pan, but a rider with the consistency and hunger to keep winning at the highest level.

De Lie is a unique blend of sprinter and classics specialist. His stocky, muscular build allows him to produce explosive power, but he also has the endurance to survive selective races. He excels in tough, attritional one-day events where other sprinters fade. His victories often come at the end of races with short climbs, crosswinds or technical finishes. He prefers slightly uphill sprints or those with a final corner, where his timing and acceleration can make the difference.

While he has not yet started the Tour of Flanders or Paris–Roubaix, those races are firmly on his radar. His performances in Omloop, Québec and Tro-Bro Léon suggest he has the skills and strength to contend in the Monuments. His positioning, bike handling and explosive kick make him well suited to the classics, and his ability to read races and stay calm under pressure has impressed both fans and rivals.

De Lie stands about 1.82 meters tall and weighs around 77 kilograms. His power output is exceptional, often delivering over 1,500 watts in sprints. Unlike many sprinters, he can also produce high power after long, hard races. His 30-second power is among the best in the peloton, and he remains competitive on rolling terrain and cobbled roads. He is not a pure climber, but he has shown that he can survive hilly races and still sprint at the end.

Away from racing, Arnaud De Lie is known for his connection to his roots. He still lives near his family’s farm in Lescheret and enjoys the peace and quiet of the countryside. He often says that his upbringing taught him discipline, and that working on the farm gave him the strength and mindset to push through in races. Even after becoming a professional, he helped out on the farm until his coaches insisted he prioritize rest and recovery.

• Belgian national road race champion (2024)
• Winner of Grand Prix de Québec (2023)
• Nine professional victories in 2022 (neo-pro season)
• Overall winner, Tour of Denmark (2024)

Looking ahead, De Lie’s focus is clear. He wants to win a Monument - either the Tour of Flanders or Paris–Roubaix - and he wants to become a consistent force in the spring classics. He is also aiming to win stages in the Tour de France and compete for the green jersey.