Seth Dunwoody's big win at 'E3 Saxo' | "It means a lot. I'm over the moon" | Sticky Bottle

*Seth Dunwoody, in the Irish champion's kit, on his way to victory at E3 Saxo Classic Juniors in Belgium yesterday (Photo: Martine Verfaillie)*

Having already put himself in the shop window of international development teams, and even pro squads, with his riding over the last 14 months, Seth Dunwoody took a big step forward in his career in Belgium on Saturday.

The 17-year-old from Hamiltonsbawn, Co Armagh, has long looked destined for a big break next year, when he moves up to elite/U23. However, winning yesterday's E3 Saxo Classic Juniors, in a big bunch sprint, marks him out as one of the exceptional juniors of European cycling.

That win will, without question, open up his contract options for 2025 and take them to a new level; something Dunwoody acknowledged when speaking to stickybottle after his big win, in a field that included junior world champion Albert Philipsen (Tscherning Cycling Academy).

"Today meant a lot. I mean, I've had three second places in UCI races this season and to finally win, at such a big race like E3, a Belgian classic, which is my favourite kind of racing… it means a lot," said Dunwoody.

"That's especially the case with the likes of the world champion, a stacked field, there. It kinda takes where I could go next year to another level.

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"The team today had 100 per cent belief in my sprint and provided me with the best lead-out train possible. So I'm over the moon today and hopefully I can keep progressing it forward through the season."

*That was a big win for Seth Dunwoody and though he was already on the radar of pro teams, it's a victory that cannot be argued with when the contracts are being negotiated (Photo: Martine Verfaillie)*

Dunwoody took victory from runner-up Matijs Van Strijthem (Van Moer Logistics Cycling Team) and 3rd placed Jasper Schoofs (Acrog-Tormans U19).

The Irish rider had already taken the runner-up spot in Kuurne-Kuurne Juniors back in February. He also finished 2nd on two stages of French stage race Penn Ar Bed-Pays d’Iroise the week before last.

Winning E3 Saxo Classic Juniors yesterday is only one position on the podium higher than those results - and comes after three UCI-ranked wins last year; two stages and the overall at Penn Ar Bed-Pays d’Iroise.

However, a major sprint win, in a stacked field, in a race like E3 Saxo Classic Juniors, underlines his potential, especially in the bunch sprints, in the pro ranks for the years ahead. It all but guarantees him a choice from a number of teams for next year.