After clinching the Junior Belgium Road Race champion last year, Dries de Pooter moved up to the U23 ranks with the Academy. Already in his first year in the category, he has put together strong performances that show a glimpse of his upcoming potential. “I’m very happy with the first part of the season. I made the progress I hoped for and the shape is still rising for the upcoming goals” points out the youngster. 

De Pooter rode to the fourth and sixth in two stages of the Course de la Paix, before finishing in a very strong ninth position at the infamous Planche des Belles Filles last week at the Tour d’Alsace. “I think I still haven’t touched my best shape this season but I’m not far from it now. Also need I to pay a bit more attention at the beginning of the race. One thing is sure I will enjoy my last part of the season and hopefully, can I take my first victory”. 

He still has some goals for the latter part of the season at the same time that he hopes to keep on improving on and off the bike thanks to the professional guidance of the Academy staff. “The goals are difficult to say now, because I don’t know if I’ll do the Tour de l’Avenir or not, if I do it, it will be a big goal for sure. Also, a selection for the Worlds Championships would be something to be proud of and I would prepare myself to give a good go at it”.