Wout Poels says Liege-Bastogne-Liege win for Team Sky was 'special'
By Matt Westby
Last Updated: 24/04/16 6:53pm
Wout Poels said it was “really special” to hand Team Sky their first win in a Monument classic after sprinting to victory at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Dutch rider ended the British squad's six-and-a-half-year wait for a win in one of cycling's five Monuments by beating Michael Albasini at the end of a 248km marathon played out in heavy rain and snow.
He said: "I can't believe that I've won it. It was a tough edition and so I'm really proud. You always dream of winning a race like this one, but to do it in these conditions is even more special.
"To be able to win the first Monument for the team, especially a team like this, is really special. I'm riding with the best riders in the world. It's a huge win for the team and also for myself.
"It's great to show that we can do well on classics as well as on grand tours."
Poels was one of four riders who escaped from the main group of contenders on the day's final climb and then contested the sprint for victory.
He added: "I know I'm quite fast, but I also knew that guys like Albasini were quick too. After 260km, no sprint is the same.
"I think everyone was really tired from the cold, rain, snow and everything else the weather threw at us today. I did a good sprint and luckily it was enough to win Liege-Bastogne-Liege."
Poels' win was his fourth of the season and fifth since joining Team Sky from Etixx - Quick-Step at the start of the 2015 season.
The 28-year-old will now prepare to help Chris Froome at this summer's Tour de France, but he admitted he has yellow jersey ambitions of his own.
He added: "I'll be alongside Chris on the Tour but hope to, one day, maybe next year, have an opportunity to be a leader. I still have to prove I can do well."
