Cycling: Laurenz Rex won the Belgian one-day race Le Samyn. The German-born Belgian was able to prevail in a thrilling sprint just ahead of the Portuguese Antonio Morgado. The 24-year-old is celebrating the greatest success of his career to date.
Laurenz Rex celebrates – photo finish has to decide
The 56th edition of Le Samyn begins Laurence Rex (Intermarché – Wanty). The Marburg-born Belgian is planning the Belgian one-day race over 204,3 kilometers from Quaregnon to Dour Antonio Morgado (UAE) won from Portugal. The Belgian completes the podium Jenthe Biermans (Arkea – B&B Hotels). After the winner was almost too early to celebrate his biggest victory in his career when he crossed the finish line, he then had to wait a few minutes for confirmation. Because to his right, Morgado was at the same height and for a long time no one knew who actually won Le Samyn. Things went less well for Arnaud De Lie (Lotto – Dstny). The Belgian top favorite fell and gave up with the words “What am I doing in such a s--- race?” .
Schweinberger third at Le Samyn des Dames
The 13th edition of Le Samyn des Dames began Vittoria Guazzini (FDJ – Suez). The Italian was able to get ahead of the Finn Anniina Ahtosalo (Uno-X Mobility) and the Austrian Christine Schweinberger (Fenix – Deceuninck).
The story of Le Samyn
This Belgian one-day race was held for the first time in 1963 under the name Grand Prix de la Madeleine. When professionals were also admitted five years later, it was called the Grand Prix de Fayt-Le-Franc. After the winner of the first professional event Jose Samyn When he died in a crash during his second participation in 1969, the organizers changed the name to Memorial José Samyn. Last year he was Belgian Milan Menten successful. He was the only German to win Dominic Klemme the race in 2011.
VICTORY FOR LAURENCE REX!!!!!!!!! #LeSamyn pic.twitter.com/dXB3wIJ6tJ
— Intermarche-Wanty (@IntermarcheW) February 27, 2024