Sprinter Stanisław Aniołkowski continued his impressive run of form by sprinting to third place in the Ronde van Limburg.
The result in Belgium was the third podium of the month for the Pole with the 26-year-old adding it to his May palmarès along with the two stage victories at the International Tour of Hellas.
Aniołkowski was in good company on the podium alongside winner Gerben Thijssen (Imtermarché – Circus – Wanty) and 11-time grand tour stage winner Caleb Ewan (Lotto Dstny) in second. He also out-sprinted revered sprinter and Belgian champion Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step) on his way to the podium.
Limburger @GerbenThijssen kraait victorie in jubileumeditie 🏆 #RVL23 #FLCS pic.twitter.com/NUabydqkJo
— Ronde van Limburg (@RondeLimburg) May 29, 2023
“It is always good to test yourself against strong competitors and well-known names,” Aniołkowski said of his rivals. “I work hard to reach the highest level, and when the results confirm my efforts, it adds even more motivation because I know that the hard work I put in every day at home pays off.”
Aniołkowski rectified what he described as mistakes in Greece by not sprinting all the way to the line, this time taking advantage of the challenging finale, and starting his sprint early to avoid being boxed in before the crucial final turn.
Jumping off the wheels in the final stretch, the Pole stuck by his word, turning the cranks with ferocious power right until the line where he pipped the slowing Merlier to third place.
“Today, fighting until the end rewarded me with a podium spot, which is an excellent result for us,” he explained. “My teammates did everything to cover me, I reached the finish line with minimal fatigue and could showcase my best sprint. Together, we make a great team,” he ends.
Aniołkowski will hope to build on this form when he next races at the Brussels Cycling Classic on June 4. Until then, he will be kicking back at his latest off-bike venture, a café he has opened in Poland where he promises delicious coffee, ample cake and “excellent” ice cream… We’ll be the judges of that.
Stan’s café – @portkawiarnia
Ronde van Limburg results
1 THIJSSEN Gerben – Intermarché – Circus – Wanty 4:38:43
2 EWAN Caleb – Lotto Dstny ”
3 ANIOŁKOWSKI Stanisław – Human Powered Health ”
4 MERLIER Tim – Soudal – Quick Step ”
5 BLIRKA Erlend – Uno-X Pro Cycling Team ”
6 BUDDING Martijn – TDT-Unibet Cycling Team ”
7 TAMINIAUX Lionel – Alpecin-Deceunick ”
8 DUPONT Timothy – Tarteletto – Isorex ”
9 FRETIN Milan – Team Flanders – Baloise ”
10 DE PESTEL Sander – Team Flanders – Baloise ”
