Arnaud De Lie first worked on his qualities on the family farm and on the remote roads of the province of Luxembourg.. “I’m from the Ardennes so I like to do things at 200%. That’s my greatest quality”. Ardennes, the word is out and at Lotto Soudal it particularly resonates with the ears of the sports director Maxime Monfort. “Arnaud has the qualities of an Ardennais” points out former pro rider. “He’s a fighter, who doesn’t complain. He’s always happy, he loves what he does, he loves cycling It’s true that we both come from the province of Luxembourg and that I I’ve known him since he was very young. Today he’s grown up and by chance we find ourselves on the same team so clearly I’m taking him under my wing a bit. There’s a closeness between us and I’m going to help her as best I can “.
To help Arnaud without burning his wings, the staff of the Lotto team has concocted a hybrid program for him in which he can both learn and shine so as not to lose the habit of winning. He will take his first steps at the Majorca challenge (from January 26 to 30) and will continue with two stage races in France. But the moment he is looking forward to is the Flandrian races. Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Le Samyn, Ghent-Wevelgem, but also the Tour of Flanders, if all goes well, Arnaud De Lie will be at the start of 9 Flemish Classics this season. A real sign of confidence and a godsend for the young road sprinter. “I’m enjoying the moment” savor Arnaud De Lie. “For me the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are the most beautiful races of the season. They are warrior races”. Presented as a ‘tough guy’, the Lescheretois already seems well equipped to face the borders and the cobbled mountains with in mind an example to follow in particular. ” I would say Peter Sagan. He’s a style of rider that I really like with a good burst of speed but which has not made it his main quality. He also knew how to play his card on the Flandrian classics and that is also on it that I would like to play well. Bumps longer than 10 minutes are not for me anymore. Underneath I can be there.”
Aware of his qualities and his limits, Arnaud De Lie seems determined to settle quickly within the elite without forgetting that at his age he obviously has a lot to discover… Starting with himself. ” Even I still don’t know myself. I’m only 19 and there’s still a lot I need to find in my house “.