April 02, 2013 (Hannut, Belgium) – Reigning Canadian U23 champ, Antoine Duchesne (Bontrager Livestrong), riding for the Quebec U23 team, finished fourth to barely miss the podium in a 120km kermesse in Hannut, Belgium on Monday. His teammate, Pierrick Naud (Garneau-Québecor) finished 20th, followed by Jordan Brochu (EKOÏ/Devinci) in 40th with Simon-Pierre Gauthier (Garneau-Québecor) in 41st. There were 84 riders on the start line.

“The wind was the difficulty today and mid-race, Antoine caught a breakaway of seven riders but three British riders were present so it was a tough situation for him,” coach Pascal Choquette told Pedal from Belgium. “Pierrick was in the chase group of about 20 riders. This was the last race for the Quebec team project in Europe.”

On Sunday, it was Naud’s turn to finish fourth in a 114.8km-kermesse in Florennes with Brochu making the top 20 with an 18th-place finish in the same race.

“Sunday’s race was 114.8km so 14 laps of 8.2km,” Choquette continued. “Naud finished 4th and Jordan Brochu 18th. The race was like the others, aggressive from the start and we managed to follow most of the attacks.”

“With four laps to go, a breakaway of three riders gained a 45-second lead on the pack. Pierrick followed in a chase group of 13 riders but the three breakaway riders managed to stay away up front. Pierrick won the sprint in his group and finished 4th. Behind, Jordan finished in front of the main group placing 18th. The race in Hannut on Monday is the final event for Team Québec on this project,” concluded Choquette.

The Quebec U23 team also includes Yohan Patry and has been racing in Belgium since March 20, and will fly back to Canada following the final race in Hannut, Belgium.