Victor Vercouillie wins with the Eddy Merckx 525R

The fourth stage of the Eneco Tour took place between Hoogeveen and the VAM-Berg. The latter is the increasingly iconic man-made hill in the province of Drenthe. As has so often been the case over the last three seasons, Victor Vercouille was a regular feature in the early breakaway. He has made it his trademark to have a nose for the right breakaway, and this season it was often a very close call as to whether he would make it to the finish with that breakaway. Around the VAM-Berg, he was joined by the strong company of Desal, Ottema, Poelvoorde and Vergouw, and once again it promised to be a thrilling race.

The five leaders began the final climb with a one-minute lead and it looked as though they would battle it out amongst themselves to decide who would take the win. Desal pushed hard on the final cobbled section, but he was unable to open up a decisive gap. On the descent that followed, Vercouillie seized his moment. He slipped away from the group, whilst behind him the others looked at one another. Over the final 300-metre climb, Vercouillie gave it his all, and the first victory of his professional career was secured.

For Victor, it was a particularly emotional victory. Two months ago, he lost his dad to cancer. Kristof Vercouillie was, without a doubt, Victor’s biggest supporter and was always there to back his cycling career. After the race, he let his emotions run free, surrounded by team-mates and staff.

Vercouillie’s victory is the 525R’s very first at the highest level. Vercouillie has been riding our latest aero racer since the start of this season, and this victory demonstrates what the bike is capable of. For Victor, the bike is the ideal companion for long days at the front of the race.