The Tour de Wallonie ended with stage 5's emotional win for Jan Bakelants (36 years old) of Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert. For Bakelants was moved to tears at the post-race interview because his last win was in the 2013 Tour de France. After winning stage 2 in the 2013 Tour de France he wore the yellow jersey for two days. This was his first victory in almost 6 1/2 years.
For his teammate Biniam Girmay, a crash more than 100 kilometers before the finish on a cobblestone section forced him to abandon. For the 22-year-old Eritrean, who broke through with his victory in Gent-Wevelgem this Spring, the Tour de Wallonie was his first race since he dropped out in the Giro after the cork incident after winning stage 10.
"This victory is proof for old riders to keep believing. After so many difficult years. Today I worked hard for the team, I wanted to launch Lorenzo Rota for the sprint. But I made the gap. This victory is incredible, beautiful..."
-Jan Bakelants.
The new helmet of Biniam Girmay is an eye-catcher...
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