GP Lichtervelde, National Event (No UCI points)

Belgium, October 2, 1997

Robbie Vandaele takes it in last kms

Robbie Vandaele came into the last kms with a 100 metre gap from 4 fellow attackers, and guaranteed his 6th win for the season. The 5 riders (including Wim Omloop, Vanhaecke, Vanslijcke and Tom Desmet) had taken the initiative with more than 100 kms to go. Vanslijcke went off first. The difference was around a minute with the Ipso team at the back of the peloton. "Vanhaecke does not feel good", said Ipso teamleader Debaeremaecker, explaining the team's tactics.

With 30 kms to go, Omloop, Vanhaecke and Desmet were caught by surprise by an attack from Jurgen Vermeersch. The Belgian Under-23 champion was going for the win.

With 8 kms to go, he held a 15 second gap. Vandaele, Talen and Vansevenant were pushing the top group. Vermeersch tried twice in the finale to make it a solo project, but was brought back by reactions led by Talen. Vandaele finally triumphed with Talen second from Vermeersch, Vansevenant and Vanslijcke. A short time later, Andy De Smet won the sprint of the peloton.

Race distance - 162 kms

 1. Robbie Vandaele (Bel) Ipso	     	             3.56.00 
 2. John Talen (Ned) Foreldorado-Golff			0.10
 3. Jurgen Vermeersch (Bel) Collstrop-Lystex
 4. Wim Vansevenant (Bel) Vlaanderen 2002-E. Merckx 
 5. Rik Van Slijcke (Bel) (Bel) RDM-Asfra-Sitra		0.15
 6. Andy De Smet (Bel) Ipso				0.17
 7. Tim Lenaers (Bel) Collstrop-Lystex 
 8. Fredy Excelino Gonzalez (Col) 
 9. Chris Pollin (Bel) 
10. Ronny Assez (Bel) RDM-Asfra-Sitra 
11. Brian Dalgaard (Den) 
12. Peter Spaenhoven (Bel) Palmans
13. Tom Desmet (Bel) Collstrop-Lystex
14. Eddy Buts (Bel) 
15. Rik Claeys (Bel)
16. Frank McCormack (USA) Saturn
17. Pedro Rubrecht (Bel) Palmans
18. Franky Van Haesebroucke (Bel) Ipso 
19. Marlon Policio Perez (Col) 
20. Saulius Ruskys (Lit) 
21. Bert Roesems (Bel) Vlaanderen 2002-E. Merckx
22. Christophe Leeuwerck (Bel) RDM-Asfra-Sitra
23. Eric De Clerc (Bel) Collstrop-Lystex 
24. Koen Beeckman (Bel) Ipso 
25. Patrick Stijlemans (Bel) 
26. Eddy Vancraeynest (Bel) 
27. Michel Willems (Bel) 
28. Dany Baeyens (Bel) Collstrop 
29. Grégory Schoelens (Bel) 
30. Bart Heirewegh (Bel) Ipso

64 starters