Powless single-handedly cracked Visma | LaB's trio code: "Never in a million years"

"I really can't believe it," Powless began his story in the flash interview. "I felt excellent today but didn't think I could win in that group." After the Visma | Lease a Bike acceleration, Powless found himself in a leading group of four, including three men from the Dutch team. "I thought I was riding for second place. I really can't believe it; I'm just so happy. I want to thank my family, my team, and everyone who supports me."

It was a victory that was more than welcome for Powless, as the American had not yet reached the expected level this spring. He could not compete for victory in Milan-Sanremo (37th) or the E3 Saxo Classic (64th). "It's been a tough spring so far, but I'm glad to be back where I belong today."

Powless had to beat Van Aert to win the Dwars door Vlaanderen on Wednesday, as Visma | Lease a Bike was expected to set him up for the sprint in the final. "I thought Wout would be the strongest in the sprint, so they would really be betting on him. I didn't think I could beat him in the sprint in a million years. I entered the last corner at a considerable speed, 3 or 4 kilometers per hour faster than Wout. I just went full throttle to the finish line because there wasn't much space between that last corner and the finish. So I had to start my sprint immediately and hope for the best," Powless laughs.

"I wasn't sure either, and my sports director and I were discussing whether I should ride. There were still quite a few riders behind us," the American recalls the course of the race. Yet he ultimately decided to join the chase. "I felt good, and I especially enjoyed the cobblestones. I didn't feel like sprinting from a larger group. It also didn't feel like I had to force myself too much to keep up. Otherwise, they would have attacked. I was a rock in a hard place, but I'm proud of how I rode."

Even though Powless has previously won the Clasica San Sebastian, the American is convinced of the importance of this victory. "This is the biggest victory of my life," says Powless, heading towards the Tour of Flanders this Sunday with a tremendous boost. "I hope I can compete for the win, or at least for a place on the podium. In these races, you need a bit of luck, but you also need to have faith. I have certainly gained some of that today."