This Cyclist Won a Sprint with Only One Foot Clipped In

I’m willing to bet that you’ve never heard of Belgian cyclist Arnaud De Lie. I’m also willing to bet that you’ve never heard of a bike race called the Lotto Famenne Ardenne Classic. It’s also Belgian.

It’s amazing De Lie didn’t crash, given the combination of speed and surprise. It’s also amazing that he held enough velocity to fend off Australian Kaden Groves of team Alpecin-Deceuninck. The margin at the finish was tiny, and De Lie had to thrust his bike forward at the line to win by a few inches.

Pro cycling is a century-old sport, and athletes have won (and lost) races in almost every way imaginable. I must admit, I have never heard of anyone winning a bunch sprint—a skill that requires brawn, bravery, and impeccable timing—with just one leg.

This unorthodox video clip is just another reason to keep an eye on De Lie. The 21-year-old Belgian won his first WorldTour race earlier this year at the Grand Prix Quebec in September. He’s absolutely a rider to follow, and in a few years, he may be winning bunch sprints at the Tour de France, something that would make him a celebrity in the cycling world. I just hope he can keep both feet on the ground.