Noah Van Miert wins bunch sprint in Grand Prix Renolux: “On the way there was sometimes more talking than racing” (Oud-Turnhout)

Noah Van Miert won the Grand Prix Renolux cycling race for newcomers in Retie on Easter Monday. He stayed ahead of Milan Leukemans and Seppe Vinken in a bunch sprint. “My first victory ever,” beamed the second-year newcomer from Oud-Turnhout.

“I closed my eyes and sprinted as fast as I could,” said Noah Van Miert. “Apparently it was enough to return home with the victory. It was my first victory ever, and much to my surprise.”

The match itself wasn’t much. There were hardly any escapes. At times the pace was very slow. “There was sometimes more talking along the way than racing along the way. Attacking was not possible due to the headwind. The peloton did not give up either. Every time someone started to attack, the speed increased.”

“Attacking was not possible due to the headwind. The peloton did not give up either. Every time someone tried to attack, the speed increased.”

Noah Van Miert

Newcomer

The 15-year-old natural sciences-STEM student won the sprint with dominance. “However, I am not a pure sprinter. Climbing and time trial are more suited to me. I have discovered my love for cycling three years ago. That was at Team Kempen. But because Avia-Rudyco CT could offer me a more diverse program, I made the switch.”

Uncle Björn

Milan Leukemans was also quite satisfied with his second place. “Achieving a podium place straight away as a first-year newcomer is not bad. So I am anything but disappointed.”

The name Leukemans probably rings a bell for many cycling fans. It can’t be a coincidence that the Acrog-Tormans rider also lives in Nijlen, can it? “No that is right. Björn is my uncle. I hope to follow in his footsteps and later become a professional cyclist.”(lver)